Graduates 2025: Grace Dowle, Fashion and Design History

“It has opened up my interests further and expanded my knowledge massively.”

My work focus

Throughout my time studying Fashion and Design History at Brighton, my work has varied, which I think is a testament to the course as it has allowed me to explore many topics which I may not have on my own.

I have interests predominantly in the 20^th Century. From looking into subcultures such as Mods, researching Miner’s Strike (1984-85) protest wear, analysing and researching an early 1960s dress owned by a working mother who lived in Brighton, whose clothing collection is a part of the Dress History Teaching Collection, to finally my dissertation which has focused on young, working women and their relationship to the fashion brand Biba (1964-1975).

I am honestly influenced by so many things; it is hard to narrow it down!

Why I chose the course and Brighton

I chose to study Fashion and Design History due to my interest and love for the subject! I have always been interested in Fashion History, and it grew particularly while studying at A-Level, where I was able to incorporate fashion history into my final Textiles coursework.

I chose to study this course in particular due to the course and module content being more in tune with what I was interested in pursuing compared to other Universities, but even then Fashion and Design History isn’t a common BA course to come across!

Brighton is a good place to study this course due to the resources that are accessible to Fashion and Design History students. The university has a Dress History Teaching Collection which is useful for research but also is just so interesting to look through at the number of objects and garments, and to learn about their histories and where they have come from. It is also great as you can handle the objects in the collection and they have been often used by our lecturers and tutors as examples in lectures and seminars, it’s a really hands on approach to learning!

The favourite part of my studies

My favourite part of my studies has been exploring a large variety of topics; it has opened up my interests further and expanded my knowledge massively. Modules such as Understanding Exhibitions and Creating Displays provided the opportunity for us to create our own exhibition which has also allowed me to think further about what I want to in the future, and what career I would like to pursue after graduating.

Inspiring staff

The staff at Brighton, especially for the Fashion and Design History course are incredible, their passion for the subject is translated into their teaching and they are all really supportive and helpful.

My Dissertation Supervisor and Personal Academic Tutor, Suzanne Rowland has been incredible throughout all three years of my studies. The support and encouragement that she has given me throughout my studies, throughout assessments and in particular my dissertation made me continue to believe in myself and the work that I have produced!

What Brighton means to me

Brighton means a lot to me as it is the place that I have met many incredible, like-minded friends.

It is also such a good place to go to university, there are so many good cafes, and being so close to the beach and the laines there is always something to do!

After graduation

After graduation, I am going to return home, where I hope to work and gain work experience by volunteering in a museum space. I plan to return to Brighton the year after as I hope to study Curating Collections and Heritage MA.

Advice to my 17 year old self about university

My advice would be to make sure that what you are studying is something that you really are passionate about and have a genuine interest in, as it really does make your university experience so much more enjoyable!

I would also say to embrace university life and make the most of it while you are here, by getting involved and getting to know the people around you, which don’t necessarily have to be the people you are living with, allows you to meet and make great friends, which really enhances the experience!