Part two of our River Island graduate profiles, Zara Appadoo is a denim designer and attended University College for creative arts at Rochester. She has been at River Island since 2008, click here to see our profile of dress designer Sian Ryan.
How did you find getting a fashion job after graduation?
Well lucky enough for me it was definitely one of those being in the right place at the right time scenarios.
River Island was at GFW, they saw my collection and on the basis of that they offered me a 4 week placement conditional on how well my interview went. I had an extensive portfolio which was something that was really pushed at my university and I would say it definitely secured my placement at River Island.
What tips/advice would you give to students who want to get into the industry?
Always meet and greet. I think that in this industry so many new faces come and go, it's incredibly important to be remembered.
So just as your hard work should shine, you should also make the effort to shine brightly. Be enthusiastic but not overly so.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Designing the edgiest denim on the High street.
Click here to see our profile of menswear t-shirt designer Russell Williams.
GFW is only a few weeks away and we're already getting excited. To get into the GFW mood we've enlisted three graduates who are currently working at River Island, to give us their perspectives on getting ahead in the fashion industry.
First up is Sian Ryan, Winchester School of Art graduate and Senior Dresses designer for RI:
How did you find getting a fashion job after graduation?
I was very lucky due to a successful work placement at River Island through GFW but a lot of my peers struggled.
What tips/advice would you give to students who want to get into the industry?
I would highly recommend work experience- the more the better. It's so different to university and it opens doors and introduces you to the industry. In fashion, it's not necessarily what but whom you know.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Sitting at the HELM of my own label but today I am enjoying work at River and it's a delight to see loads of girls walking about in my designs, they might not know it, but I DO!
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We've already snapped Natalie in CQ looking good at the IFB blogger meet up during London Fashion Week, and she kindly agreed to fill out our Industry Interview. For an insight into working at ASOS and getting into the fashion industry just read on...
How did you arrive at your current position at Asos?
After working for a couple of years in buying (toys not clothes!) I decided my heart was still in fashion. I did the Access to Fashion Business course at LCF and spent my Easter break doing unpaid work experience at ASOS.
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If you've never heard of Arieta Mujay then listen up, she's the River Island PR who had us whispering 'Who's that girl?!' when we first clapped eyes on her. Her personal style always stands out, and even more so when you find out that her outfits are pure River Island with a little customisation thrown in. Read on to find out what she thinks of Lady Gaga, which RI items she's snapped up for summer and her tips on getting a job in PR...
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Our Industry Interview this week is a very special interview with Greta Pawlowski, who works at established UK label Aquascutum as their Company Archivist. Read on to find out how she got her position, what trends she predicts will be big and advice for getting into archiving.
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Lauren Cleak has worked for an number of PR companies before settling in at my-wardrobe.com as PR Director in 2007 where she manages a team of five and is regularly called upon to dispense trend predictions and style tidbits. Lauren took some time out from her busy schedule to give us her tuppence worth...
What was the most exciting/interesting thing that happened this week?
Well apart from Barack Obama winning the American Presidential Election, which had to be the most exciting, if not slightly nail-bitingly tense bit of TV for a long time, I would have to say that it was the confirmation that we will be stocking Elizabeth & James for Spring Summer.
Not only is the collection the creation of two of the biggest fashion icons of our time, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, but every piece of the collection is just so incredibly covetable (and wearable). I will be fighting my way to the front of the queue when the collection arrives next year.
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Holli Rogers is head of Buying and Retail at Net a Porter and she took some time out from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her week.
Give us a short description of your job
I oversee NET-A-PORTER.COM's buying choices and seasonal direction. I love it.
What was the most exciting/interesting thing that happened this week?
Last week I was in Los Angeles on buying appointments which is pretty exciting - the last couple of months have been jam-packed with shows, appointments and travel.
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