Max Mara Fashion Group’s Post

We recently said goodbye to our design intern Amy who joined us for 9 months from The University of Leeds Fashion Design Innovation course. Amy has played a vital role in our small team from designing styles for our recent summer collection and upcoming winter collection.  She also developed progressive industry skills, working with factories on sampling, introducing new branding elements, sourcing fabrics, and assisting with campaign photoshoots.  We sat down with Amy to speak about her time here designing at bound. 1 - 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑛𝑗𝑜𝑦 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑? My favourite part about interning at bound was being given a level of creative freedom when designing graphics, prints/patterns and garments. This really gave me the opportunity to see what areas I enjoyed the most in fashion.  2 - 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠? My favourite piece I designed would have to be some of the new jacquard knitwear styles that are coming, where I could draw my own designs and illustrations, to see those stitched into knitwear pieces. It was fun to explore accessories including dog jumpers.   3 - 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡? This placement has improved my knowledge of fabrics, making style sheets and tech packs, and my skills using Adobe Illustrator. Overall it has improved my confidence in designing for a company and creating representative designs of the brand.  4 - 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡? Interning with an independent company such as bound and UN:IK Clothing has many positives, including working with people who are driven by creativity and passion for what they do. Additionally, independent brands are more innovative and original due to being open-minded to exploring new styles and trends. Lastly working for independent fashion companies helps promote more ethical standards and sustainable practices which is a huge trend in the fashion industry with the growth of slow and second hand fashion.  5 - 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚? My favourite memory while working with the team was the Christmas party, going for sushi at Unagi before heading off to bongos bingo for the evening.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FASHION SCHOOL by Guy Babineau Fashion education can be hit or miss. This should help. DEFINE YOUR DESIGN DNA Before diving into school brochures, reflect on your creative core. What ignites your passion? Is it haute couture's intricate details, streetwear's bold statements, or sustainable fashion's ethical approach? Identifying your niche within the vast fashion landscape will guide your search towards programs aligning with your vision. DO THEY ASK FOR A PORTFOLIO? Be very careful about any school or program that does not ask for examples of your work, especially if you are an international student. Many schools—most notably for-profit ones—are more interested in your wallet than your likelihood of working in fashion. They will accept anyone willing to pay, regardless of talent or ability. RESEARCH THE FACULTY Do a background check on every faculty member in the program. I’ve seen fashion schools and departments hire recent grads from their own programs, who have had no industry experience. Some faculty members haven’t been involved in the fashion industry for a long time and are completely out of touch. Having access to instructors with real-world experience and diverse perspectives can significantly contribute to your learning and network building. ANALYZE THE CURRICULUM Practical skills like draping, patternmaking, and construction are essential. But garment construction is only part of being a designer today. Does the program include fashion business, marketing, sustainability, and communications courses as well. Does it offer opportunities for collaboration, internships, or study abroad programs? Prioritize programs that foster a well-rounded skillset and real-world exposure. SUSTAINABILITY + ETHICAL FASHION Ask for specifics about how sustainability is incorporated into the program and individual courses. How does the curricula address important issues in fashion such as labor standards, human rights, cultural appropriation, and diversity? Weed out the fashion schools that pay lip service to sustainability and ethics. They’re the future of fashion. Image generated by Artificial Intelligence #fashioneducation #fashionstudent #fashiondesigner #fashionschool

𝐇𝐞𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐦! Thought I'd reintroduce myself. I'm Liz, 30 years old, originally from Hamburg and currently based in Berlin. 🛫 My journey into the fashion world began with an internship at MODELWERK Modelagentur GmbH in 2013, where I got my first taste of the industry. After another internship at a photo production company in Cape Town, my passion for the industry ignited (plus my love for the city). 🚨 I applied at university in Capetown, worked my a** off in a beergarden for 9 months (it was currently the WM) to save every penny and moved to Cape Town to study fashion design. 🎉 🔆 Can you imagine being 20 years old, studying in Cape Town, and chilling at the beach after class? 🧥 During my time in Cape Town, alongside my studies, I worked as a stylist for German clients. Following graduation, I interned at Closed GmbH in 2018, gaining valuable insights into the workings of a major fashion brand. 🦄 However, my heart yearned to return to Cape Town, and I followed my instincts. Shortly after, I landed a significant freelance deal with ABOUT YOU in 2018—(back then a fairly small company i never heard off before) 🎇 The project? A massive festival/photo production inspired by Burning Man. It was a crazy experience!! It was a huge success and led to a job offer from About You, where I had some of the craziest years of my life—shouldering high responsibilities, challenging projects, the most amazing team and work culture and travelling the world .( the list goes ON!!) 🔎 Anyhow throughout my time in the fashion industry, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right—we were harming the environment. At ABOUT YOU- I had the opportunity to work on exciting projects that took responsibility to drive change forward, like fashion rentals, second-hand or upcycling. Then, one day, I felt the urge to break out and do my own thing. Thanks to the support of Tarek Müller (you're a legend!), I was able to continue my upcycling project, Rebirth Studios which I've been running as a founder for over 1.5 years now. 🔇 𝑴𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 ? 𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔! If i look back on my working life until today I always followed my gut feeling, did what felt right and mixed it with a little braveness. Looking forward to sharing everything what lays in front of me with you 😎 What was your favourite part of your career for now? And what the biggest lessons? #femalefounder #careerjourney #upcycling

🌟 Delving into the Thrilling Life of a Fashion Designer in the Fashion Industry 🌟 🌐 Are you stirred by the glamorous world of fashion? 🔍 Ever considered the roles and responsibilities of a Fashion Designer? 🚀 Let's embark on the chic and exciting journey of Fashion Design! Why This Career?: 1️⃣ Express your Creativity: Unleash your artistic vision and make a statement through your designs. 2️⃣ Global Influence: Fashion influences cultures and trends globally, and you can be a part of it. 3️⃣ Personal Satisfaction: Seeing your designs come to life and worn is a deeply rewarding experience. Role & Key Tasks: 👉 Role: As a Fashion Designer, you design clothing and fashion ranges with a keen sense on trendy, artistic, and practical aspects. 🔹 Key Responsibilities: Sketching designs, selecting fabrics, attending fashion shows, keeping up with latest trends. Career Path: • Initial Stage: Start as a Fashion Design Assistant or Intern. • Mid-Career: Progress to the role of Junior Designer, then Fashion Designer or Head Designer. • Advanced Stage: Aspire to become a Creative Director or launch your own label. Skills & Qualifications: • 🎓 Educational Requirements: Degree or diploma in Fashion Design, Fine Arts, or related fields. • 💻 Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and CAD. • 📊 Soft Skills: Exceptional creativity, eye for detail, understanding of color and texture, and good communication skills. Career Growth Tips: 1️⃣ Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest fashion trends, materials and techniques. 2️⃣ Networking: Constantly connect with influential people in the industry to stay in the loop and discover opportunities. 3️⃣ Seek Mentorship: A veteran designer can provide you with unparalleled guidance and advice. Engagement: ❓ Have questions or insights? 👇 Comment below to join the stylish conversation! 👍 Found this chic? LIKE, SHARE, and TAG someone who could benefit from this career insight! Hashtags: #FashionDesigner #FashionIndustry #CareerInsights #FutureOfWork

Fashion design is a #dynamic and ever-evolving field that blends #creativity with technical expertise. For aspiring fashion designers, choosing the right #educational institution is crucial for acquiring the skills and #knowledge needed to excel in this competitive industry. Choosing the right fashion design #university is a critical step for aspiring designers seeking to make their mark in the #fashion world. The institutions listed here are renowned for their #excellence in education, industry connections, and #innovative approaches to fashion design. Each offers unique strengths and #opportunities, providing students with the #skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a competitive #industry. Whether seeking a comprehensive #education in fashion design or a focus on specific aspects of the field, these top fashion #design universities offer a pathway to a successful and fulfilling #career in fashion. #FashionDesign #FashionWorld #FashionDesigning

🔥🔥 Deadline THIS Sunday June 30th TWO DAYS TO ENTER 🔥🔥 We are delighted to be partnering for the first time with Only Natural design 🌿🌿🌿 – a global design competition that dares to redefine the future of fashion and home – challenging students to create bespoke items from natural fibres and materials with sustainability at their core. PRIZES: Winners in each category will receive help towards the creation of a physical prototype, professionally manufactured , and will be promoted to the industry. Each winner will receive a coveted Only Natural winner’s trophy and framed certificate. Only Natural will provide exposure and promotion of all winners across all social channels. BRIEF: Only Natural challenges you to create an innovative and beautiful design in fashion (accessories, clothing, footwear) or home (furniture and interiors) – made from only natural materials. OPEN: worldwide for students or graduates from the past two years (2022, 2023). Open to design, product, interior, furniture, craft, fashion or textiles students and graduates. ENTRY: Free to apply DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 30 2024 Link 🔗 via #artsthread https://lnkd.in/dNErmU6d or see direct link from @onlynatural_design https://lnkd.in/eAkmWbTb https://lnkd.in/dNErmU6d gt&i

So...University Open Day number 5...to Loughborough School of Design and Creative Arts. A quick reminder, my daughter is wrestling with the intersection between Fashion/Textiles and PD/ID. So here are my thoughts... 1. We'd heard about a new course starting last year - Fashion Design & Technology - which has now had a first full year of students. There was chatter at New Designers last year so I made sure I got in touch with the course leader. There was a lot riding on it as it felt like the course Niamh had been looking for. It did not disappoint and Niamh came away from the talk literally bouncing! 2. The course is led by genuinely passionate people who seem to understand the balance between industry relevance and creative freedom. Approach to placements is pragmatic and sensible. Inclusion of technology is forward thinking and on-point. The need to build core skills is understood. The first years' work is on a par with many final year project work from what I can see. I am bona-fide excited for Niamh. Huge thanks to Jenny (Prendergast) and Lindsay for making her feel heard and connecting the dots for me. 3. The course is the only one I've seen (so far) that appreciates that not all fashion students want to design catwalk silhouettes or that there are budding product designers who might want to dabble within the realms of 'fashion'. An understanding of intersection with an eye to potential careers of the future. 4. In massive contrast, the PD/ID/D course talk was dull, uninspiring and lacking any passion whatsoever. Rebecca Cain did her best to inject some excitement and energy but the talk itself was awful. The presenters literally read from the slides or the screen in front of them and the content did not represent the variety, excitement and capacity for change and good that the industry can deliver. My daughter exited the auditorium saying "Please don't make me do those courses!". That says it all. 5. For a course that I've recruited from countless times over many years and have seen great students emerge from, I was genuinely astonished how bad the course talk was. 6. I get that this time of year is tricky for design courses with many involved in other shows like Graduate Fashion Week or New Designers, but it doesn't excuse lacklustre presentation. 7. I still don't understand why LBoro use the terms 'Product' and 'Industrial' in a way that is counter-intuitive throughout their courses. 8. Facilities are excellent throughout. There's no doubt that the courses are well funded, although many other Universities are catching up fast. 9. Sports facilities and opportunities at Loughborough University are jaw dropping. Niamh is a talented hockey player and she felt equally excited and daunted. 10. We already know a fair bit about the University as a place to live as my eldest is already there. There was no need to explore the rest of the Uni, so apologies to anyone who might need to know more about that. Happy to answer anything in DM.

👏 👏 👏 Smart Leaders, pay attention- this is how you do it: Partnering with a university to 1) Help your business while leveraging stranded assets 2) Train the next generation/Mine for talent 3) Support Sustainability These partnerships are not cost or labor prohibitive (I know- I help ideate an negotiate them), so remove that from your list of excuses. The Only Thing standing between you and new success and talent is imagination and the time and effort to apply it. How can a #UniversityPartnership help your business?

2023 we spent 6 months talking to fashion designers We keep on hearing the same thing… “I’m struggling to get a job in fashion design ” “I do not have enough experience and I have to go through unpaid internships” There is no doubt pressures of social and environmental prosperity are tightening in the fashion industry, but if the emerging fashion designers of today are still faced with limited access to opportunities in the industry then what does the future of fashion look like? Who is the future of the fashion industry... If not the emerging fashion designers of today? Tomorrow's normal is saving the planet and we have a generation of talent committed to doing that TODAY, so why overlook them? when this is the perfect opportunity build a brighter fashion future with your brand? Make the first step to adopt a sustainable/circular business model by re-shaping your teams identity including - Behaviours -Values -Mindsets, and Culture With TRL Fashion Space, we are connecting emerging fashion designers to SME fashion brands that are committed to environmental and social impact. It's not just about an opportunity; It's about a community of change makers, an alignment of voices and a push for impact. Visit our website trlfashionspace (dot com) to get connected and start doing things differently.

🌟 Reuniting with Long-time Collaborators: An Immersive Leather Show Experience! ❣️Join me in this captivating journey of style, tradition, and innovation at the Leather Show. Follow @jessypinard ( IG) for an exclusive glimpse into the meaningful connections forged in this adventure! 🔍 Unveiling Stories and CraftsmanshipReuniting with long-time collaborators adds a unique layer to the adventure, unveiling the stories and craftsmanship behind each piece. 👀 Top 5 Things to Watch Out For❗️ ✨Keep your fashion radar sharp at the leather show! 1. Innovative Designs: Discover groundbreaking designs that push the boundaries of leather fashion. 2. Sustainable Practices: Embrace eco-conscious styles and witness how the industry is making strides towards sustainability. 3. Quality Craftsmanship: Marvel at the meticulous details and expert craftsmanship that define exceptional leather products. 4. Emerging Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by spotting the latest trends shaping the future of fashion. 5. Networking Gems: Don’t miss the chance to connect with industry leaders, designers, and trendsetters for invaluable insights. 🔍 What Aspect Intrigues You the Most?Follow for an exclusive journey through these highlights. What aspect of the leather world intrigues you the most? Share your thoughts below! @jessypinard( IG). #leather #fabric #education #intern #fashion