GCU students thread pathway to success through Harris Tweed project

GCU students have teamed up with one of Scotland’s most famous brands to help launch a range of impressive merchandise.

MSc International Fashion Marketing students were asked by Harris Tweed to create items which highlighted the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability – with the best designs being put into production.

One of the students involved, Katie Scott explained how it all came about and what sort of things were created on campus.

She said: “It was through one of our modules called Strategic Fashion Brand Management and every year they do a collaboration – with this year being Harris Tweed.

When they came in and spoke to us they said that they were viewed as quite old fashioned in Scotland because they’re a very traditional brand. They wanted our help in appealing to a younger generation – so that’s exactly what we did!”

Katie added: “It was quite an open brief and up to us what we wanted to design, as long as we used both the GCU and Harris Tweed brand. I really wanted to appeal to students and have things that I would personally use.

We had to come up with a few different products, so I created the tote bag, planner, reusable coffee cup and lanyard. The tote bag was chosen to be made which was great!”

Experience is something a lot of students are looking to gain while at university and Katie explained that she was no different.

She said: “It’s really good for me on my CV to be able to say that I’ve worked with such a big brand and also great experience of just getting to design the products in a real-life setting.

We were meant to be doing a fashion show which obviously couldn’t go ahead but the work has still got out there and I’ve had lots of messages– it’s just been a really good experience for me overall.

Katie added: “You never know what kind of contacts you’re going to make here, so I would encourage students to make the most of it and throw themselves at any opportunities.

When people come into the University to give talks always try and reach out to them on the likes of LinkedIn and just stay in contact because you never know what could come up in the future from something you did during your time at GCU.”

By Ross Clark
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