Now in it’s 6th year this amazing series of national one-day conferences covers all the latest developments & opportunities presented by leading industry representatives from designer & brand labels, high street retailers, manufacturing, PR, publishing and trend prediction agencies.
Attracting in the region of 200+ attendees per event, these conferences have supported approximately 1,500 individual undergraduates / graduates to date to improve their understanding of our fast-paced, global sector.
Promising to be even bigger & better this year, the events are spread over 3 locations - London, Birmingham & Nottingham, and have also added a new event on ‘Fair’ Fashion to cater for the growing interest in ethical / environmentally friendly products & companies. Other additions include goodie bags, prize draws & even the chance to ‘win’ work experience opportunities at each event.
To book a place click here to download a booking form or for further information contact either Vicky (bookings) or Emma (press & PR) at the Designer Forum on 0115 9115339 / e-mail vicky@design-online.net or emma@design-online.net
Want to know a little more about our speakers? Here’s a sample of what they had to say within our Q&A session.
In brief what is your job title & role?
“I am co-founder of the Future Laboratory and one of its futures directors. In essence this means that I oversee all research and insight programmes into identifying what’s new and what’s next in cultural change and how said changes are set to impact on consumer thinking and the
kind of brands, products and services consumers are likely
to need over the coming decade. We do this for a wide
variety of clients including Gap, The New Yorker Magazine, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble, Standard Life Bank, Nokia, Vodafone, L’Oreal, American Express, Levis, Nike.”
What qualities do you most look for when you are employing a graduate?
“Stamina, curiosity and the ability to hold two opposing ideas in their head at the same time and see merit in both.”
Any words of wisdom / anything you wish you had known at the start of your career?
“Yes, be curious and never take no for an answer. Oh yes, and always be rude to your elders – they probably deserve it!”
Quick Fire:
Favourite brand/label: “Commes des Garcons.”
Favourite book: “Five Go To Mystery Moor (one of the best Enid Blyton Books).
Click here to for full profile.
What does the average day / week consist of?
“An Average day consists of many things including appointments with design houses; going to fashion shoots both here and abroad. Going into the fashion cupboard to decide on outfits for the magazine. General admin incluing budgets and expenses and just generally rushing around as there are not enough hours in the day!”
What are the best / worst aspects of your job?
“I get to experience things that would never normally come your way from going to the Brits to meeting the King of Spain on a 100ft Yacht to being taught a dance lesion in LA by J Lo’s ex husband Chris Judd. I’ve got to travel the world and meet some really amazing people. The worst is that you have to do long hours and some weekends which can be a pain sometimes. The perks are really good but the pay is awful.”
What qualities do you look for when employing a graduate?
“Work Experience, enthusiasm and a big smile on their faces. Also looking to part helps.”
Quick Fire:
Person you most admire: “Gwen Stefani.”
Favourite film: “Meet Joe Black.”
Must have item for next season: “Something from Burberry.”
Click here to for full profile.
In Brief What Is Your Job Title And Role?
“Corporate Sustainable Development Assistant. My role is to assist our business colleagues in implementing the Marks & Spencer Corporate Social Responsibility strategy (Plan A).
My key areas of responsibility include sustainable sourcing
in particular Fairtrade and sustainable raw materials (such
as wood, palm oil, soya), and additionally animal
welfare issues.”
Are there any words of wisdom / anything you wish you had known at the start of your career?
“Expect anything or anyone that may come along! It can be difficult coming out from studying when you are used to having almost complete control over your life, and heading out in to the big wide workforce, …. Then you enter the “new world” of
work and you have to be ready to move at a different pace than you might be used to, and deal with people you may never have had to deal with before.”
What qualities do you look for when employing a graduate?
“Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and challenge themselves.”
Quick Fire:
First job: “Public Relations Assistant.”
Favourite film: “It is a very hard call between Shawshank Redemption and Zoolander!”
Person/place/object that has most inspired you: “The developing world, there is so much we can do to help.”
Click here to for full profile.
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