“Coming from a small town it was an amazing experience to move to Brighton, a city so full of life and colour. It will always have a special place in my heart, I have met some amazing people here, become a whole new version of myself and got a degree too!”
Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences
My dissertation was based on the relationship between costume and the body. In my second year I chose to study a costume module and became completely obsessed with the differences between costume and everyday fashion. I used to study musical theatre and have enjoyed performing for the majority of my life, therefore studying costume helped me to unite my love for theatre and fashion in a piece of research. I chose to focus on the Ballets Russes costumes because of the popularity and influence of this ballet troupe. The costumes are breathtaking, even the ones that have been ruined by the demands of ballet performance. Ideas and beliefs about bodies were very different in the early twentieth century and in the modern day where we strive to celebrate these different bodies I thought it was an interesting avenue to explore.
What made you choose your course?
I have always been really interested in history, I was that teenager that chose going to a museum or National trust property over going somewhere like a theme park! I have also always been really interested in fashion and would love to have a future career in the fashion industry. When I came across this course, I thought it would be a great way for me to study both passions of mine and it certainly has not been a disappointment. I have honestly loved every minute of this course and I have gained so much knowledge that I know will be beneficial in my future endeavours.
Can you tell us about any staff who particularly inspired you?
In my first two years Veronica Isaac was the lead tutor for many of my modules and I always thoroughly enjoyed the way she taught and the content that she included. I know many of Veronica’s fashion history interests align with mine and therefore her teaching inspired me in a lot of my essays and research pieces.
Another member of staff that inspired me was Charlotte Nicklas, my dissertation supervisor. Her mentoring during my dissertation was invaluable. When Charlotte became my supervisor, I learned that she had also done her dissertation on the Ballets Russes, her examples really inspired my final piece.
What does Brighton mean to you now?
Coming from a very small town that I have lived in my entire life it was an amazing experience to move to Brighton, a city so full of life and colour. It has been a pleasure to live in Brighton for three years. Brighton will always have a special place in my heart, I have met some amazing people here, become a whole new version of myself and got a degree too!
Can you tell us your plans after graduation?
I am looking to complete a master’s in strategic fashion marketing at the University of Arts London. I will be taking a year out from education to work and get some relevant experience before enrolling on this course hopefully in September 2025.
Finally if you could give your 17 year old self any advice about going to university what would it be?
I took two years out of education after my A-levels before going to university and personally I think this was the best decision for me. Those two years really helped me to create some kind of life plan and go into something that I really enjoy. I personally did not feel ready at all to make such important decisions and move away from home at the age of 18. If I could speak to my 17 year old self I would just let her know not to feel any pressure about going to university straight away. Going to university has taught me that every person is at very different stages of their lives and therefore doing something when it feels right for you is the best way forward.
Find out about studying History of art and design degrees at Brighton.
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