Fabric Technology: A mixture of both lab practices and theory lectures on knitted and woven fabrics and systems. It is assessed by 50% course work where samples have to submitted weekly and an essay has to be written. The second part is assessed by a final exam at the end of the semester.
Garment Pattern and Sample Development: A practical class where we study the economical manufacture of patterns, how to cheapen garments, the cost of raw materials and production. The class is divided into two. The first six weeks is based on shirts and skirts and you are marked on an individual project on constructing a 2D shirt pattern in a scale of 1/5, sketching your design and choosing a suitable fabric. The second part to this section is designing a dress based on a brief, for a major sporting event taking into consideration manufacture, branding and cost. A report also has to be written justifying the choice of fabric, pattern, costing and so on.
The second part to the semester is based on the study of jackets and trousers. There are two similar projects as above to be completed, as well as sizing specification sheets.
Colour and Fashion Trends: Looking closely into the theories of colour and being able to apply them to current high street and luxury fashion. Fashion history, cultural influences and branding are looked at. The course is continually assessed with one ongoing blog, where you have to document trends you see on a day to day basis and other strong influences; it is a personal reflection where you can apply the appropriate theories to designers and visual merchandising. Another part of this project is to pick an appropriate fashion designer or brand and analyse their use of colour in both past and previous collections. This involves visual media, garments, brand history and cultural influences. The second part of this project continues on from this where we have to design our collection based on what we have learnt and present to the class our reasoning behind any choices we have made.
On a personal front I think I have picked a strong group of subjects which I find really interesting and totally different from any module studied at London College of Fashion. I think it will really benefit me in my future career as I have learnt more about the manufacturing side of fashion and I vital knowledge of fabrics and fabric technology.
I have also undertaken extra circular subjects such as Mandarin this is taught by a local student and is really interesting and it has really helped to have at least the basics in the language. I also have picked up a few key phrases in Cantonese which have been lifesavers!
Personal Progress
I have had so many opportunities to try new and exciting activities as well as meet so many new people. I was given the Scholarship of Excellence by the British Council and I was invited to a formal evening at the head office to meet all the other scholars which has lead to me making so many new friends out here.
There is so much on offer at the university so I have joined the tennis and dance clubs which is really good for meeting local students. This has lead to me being invited to many different events such with local students giving me a stronger insight into the way of life over here and the cultural differences and diversities.
I have involved in various cultural nights at the university where me and Lexi introduced our culture to the local and other exchange students. We were given a stand which decorated with pictures of the queen, cricket, football and the union jack and we served cream teas. It was a surprisingly fun evening as we were able to see and appreciate different cultures and societies.
I have made so many friends and was asked to participate in a local art and fashion exhibition where I got to mix with Hong Kong based designers and artists and perform a piece at the actual event. I also got invited to work backstage at Italian fashion show at the International Finance Centre, where I helped organise backstage and the general running of the fashion show. I t was also a great opportunity to network and meet new people.
