Identity and individuality is often interpreted through the expression of fashion. I view apparel as an every day performance of personality. The inspiration of different cultures, art and history that shape trends around the world intrigue me. Fashion is a catalyst of evolution, and with a sophisticated industry behind it, the business sector fascinates me the most. By completing this degree, it will help me achieve my ambition of pursuing a career where I can apply myself in the world of fashion business.

Research has shown me that fashion companies are looking for switched on graduates who are able to create new ranges, maximise sales, forecast and react to trends and changes in demand. With my personal qualities and this degree knowledge, I will be more than capable to meet this objective.

By having both a critical and creative mind, I would be able to keep up with the fast paced changes in business and design. This would provide me with the expertise to predict trends in a buying, merchandising, management or communication role. With my EPQ topic being ‘The History of Fashion Trends’ my research is advancing. My fashion blog demonstrates my awareness of variety within design and how this is forecasted. I post fashion news, my images from A-Level Photography and inspiration from the catwalk. This shows my interest in promotion, brand patterns and fashion itself. www.minimalisticminds.wordpress.com To gain a further understanding of the industry I spent a week at the textile agency ‘Robert Todd & Sons’ where I attended both a buying and fit meeting at M&S, grasping the importance of communication. Also, I learnt how to issue a garment specification and measure garments. I have had a part-time job for over a year at Hammond’s furniture, where I use my sales skills to guide customers and help them gain their ultimate design. Individually achieving sales of over ?150,000 for the company, my initiative and determination proves that I deliver and succeed whatever I put my mind to. Proving my organisation, ability to fund and market an event, I held a successful Macmillan coffee morning; gaining awareness of the cause.

Combining my finest skills of an analytical mindset and eye for fashion; I would flourish within the role of fashion business, marketing, branding and promotion. I follow fashion and business related news in the media with a subscription to Drapers, Vogue and i-D. Throughout A-Level Business Studies I have grown a passion for enterprise, and I have a clear understanding of how to turn a vision into a profitable reality, with the importance of being commercial. A recent campaign that has inspired me is Iris Apfel and Karlie Kloss for Kate Spade, celebrating age. This showed a diverse impact on advertising and marketing. I gained experience with the marketing agency ‘Vital’. I attended a setting design and uniform meeting, as well as writing press releases; developing my visual intelligence and writing skills. To expand my observation, I am carrying out a research project as part of my Film Studies A2 coursework. Exploring ‘The importance of fashion throughout the iconic Audrey Hepburn films’, has shown me how fashion helped to create a success for the film industry as a business. I spent a day at ‘Bloomberg’ in London with ‘Free Formers’ learning about digital marketing. This highlighted the importance of digital strategies showing how businesses can grow with the aid of technology.

Throughout this fashion degree, I would love to gain the skills, which will enable me to bring something advanced and unique to the fashion world. The university experience and qualification will support me in fulfilling my ambition of working dynamically and globally within the business. My enthusiastic and conscientious perspective will benefit me in achieving my full potential throughout university and in my future career.