Alice Cary, one of our talented upper 6th design pupils, shares her exciting summer experiences with us, how she went from work experience at Helen Lawrence, a renowned London knitwear designer, to a fashion design course at central St Martins, and how she feels about being part of London Fashion Week!
Hi Alice, tell us all about your work experience with Helen Lawrence, what did you get up to?
Hey! Over my week at Helen’s, I did a mixture of very hands-on work; hand sewing labels, sewing jumpers, brushing mohair and washing knits, and also running errands; grabbing fabrics from Soho, going to the factory, delivering clothing to photo- shoots, boxing-up items and much more! Her studio is based in Stoke Newington, Dalston. Her work is absolutely incredible - It ranges from delicate knits to chunky, felt coats. It was a great atmosphere with a few other interns, music and Helen herself!
Above- Shows an image of a Helen Lawrence creation on cat walk
How was this work experience beneficial for you and your work? And would you suggest other design pupils to apply for internships?
I have become much more drawn to knitwear design, and appreciative of the lengthy process it takes to manufacture a garment. It also allowed me to meet an immensely kind and talented woman (Helen) who was willing to take-on someone so young (not a graduate/fashion student). I am delighted that she has asked me to help at London Fashion Week- it’s a prestigious position that any young creative would love to have. I would definitely recommend applying for an internship or work experience in your field of interest, as no better experience is gained than being placed within the industry itself. It’s a very different environment – previously, for two summers I did work experience at a Graphic Design firm in London, and found that the work of Graphic Design didn’t suit my very artistic nature of working.
Wow London Fashion Week, how do you feel about being part of one of the most prestigious fashion events in the world?
I’m so excited! It’s amazing that I’m able to be involved in such a huge movement in fashion. I feel confident as she has a lovely team and an incredible new collection coming out. I’ll be adding finishing touches to the collection, making sure everything is at the venue that is needed, and making sure the show runs smoothly. I know it’ll be late nights and very busy days, but I can’t wait!
Tell us about your time during the fashion design short course at central St Martins…
Above - Collage wall of initial experimentations, Central St Martins, Fashion Design short course
I was nervous to begin my week at Saint Martin’s, as I had no idea what was ahead of me. I was also staying in Halls of residence in Bloomsbury- so it really was a full university experience! We started off being introduced to our initial tutor, Jane and began to collage images in order to become liberal with shape and form. We were then told our project to focus on would be ‘Subcultures’. Following being told this theme, we had access to the incredible library to conduct research for our projects.
During the week, we went to the Jean Paul-Gaultier exhibition at the Barbican, and had a great illustration class with illustrator Helen Bullock. I chose to focus on the subculture – ‘skinheads’ which originated in Britain in the 1960’s. I particularly focused on the piercing jewelry, the shaven heads and the doc marten boots that used to be on-trend (as seen in the mood board/ finals).
Above - Alice's mood board, Central St Martins, Fashion Design short course
Would you suggest other pupils to go on summer short courses?
My short course was amazing, as I met many new people, most from other places around the world. You also get to checkout the facilities and tutors the university have, and the way they teach the course. I found that Central Saint Martin’s was an inspiring creative environment, and the independence you had was so liberating.
Overall how has your jammed pack summer influenced your ideas for your A2 projects and about your future in design?
Both the short course and internship allowed me to experience the educational side of fashion, and also the working environment of fashion. I learnt many skills that I will be able to use in my A2 projects, and a new love for yarn and experimental art/ combined with fashion, which I will consider when I make my swatches for my current graphics project. At Saint Martin’s, I was exposed to a new way of working in a sketchbook and translating ideas that I will definitely make use of!
Above - Alice's collage from Central St Martins, Fashion Design short course