Annette is a Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion course.
Have a look at her career highlights and her top tips for future students thinking about studying with the School of Fashion and Textiles.
Where and what did you study?
I had always wanted to be a fashion designer from being very young, and after completing an art foundation course I studied Fashion & Textiles at De Montfort University. I specialised in Contour Fashion, which at the time was the only Contour Fashion degree course in the world and we had incredible links and support from the lingerie and swimwear industry.
What are your career highlights?
I have been in the Fashion Industry for over 25 years so there have been many.
I had the amazing opportunity to be a designer for Christian Dior Lingerie in Paris as my first job straight from university. I then had the chance to move into buying, where no two days are ever the same. As well as creating new product, I have visited factories, attended fashion shows and photoshoots worldwide. Conducting inspirational shopping trips in lovely places like Paris and New York is always a highlight. It’s wonderfully satisfying to follow the clothes that you have created from an initial idea to in-store, working with designers such as Jasper Conran and Julian McDonald.
What are your specialist areas?
Buying & Merchandising, Fashion Business, International Retailing, Industry and Career development.
What are your research interests?
Along with my specialist areas of research I am developing a more in-depth understanding of Ethics and Sustainability in the fashion industry. I am also starting to develop Enterprise activities to share knowledge and expertise with the global community.
What’s your favourite part about working for BCU?
I love teaching and supporting students in defining and developing their studies and future career paths. I work with a fantastic team, in a creative environment with great facilities.
What are your top tips for students thinking about studying with the School of Fashion and Textiles?
Have a passion for fashion - work hard and be organised. Take the opportunity to make use of all the support the course and university offer. It’s there to help you do your best!
Take every opportunity to gain work experience – remember, it’s all about connections, you never know who you’re going to meet again.
Most importantly, enjoy your experience at University – it will go so quickly!
What do you believe it takes to work in the fashion and textiles industry?
You need to be passionate, organised and hardworking to be in the fashion industry. It’s a fast-paced environment but rewarding. Building great work relationships, both internally and externally, is so important for your career.
Any interesting industry anecdotes?
My lovely boss used to say “good manners and kindness are always in fashion”.
