Industry insight gives Fashion Buying students competitive edge


Valuable insight from leading professionals is preparing Fashion Buying students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) for a successful future in the industry.

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Simon Platts, Sourcing Director at ASOS, addressed students last year 

Final year students are benefitting from a series of guest lectures with former and current representatives from big brands - such as George at Asda and ASOS – outlining the variety of roles within the industry, as well as the latest developments and trends.

Nel Black, former head of design at George and an independent retail consultant, was the most recent contributor discussing the 'ins and outs' of the fashion business.

She said: “I think the students need to hear what industry professionals do day-to-day. It’s important that they understand about the many different roles within the industry that they maybe haven’t considered before.”

Fashion Buying with Design student Zoe Lloyd has found the series ‘really beneficial’ so far, saying: “I was on placement last year so I find talks from professionals really useful. They really help to refresh your memory on different aspects of the fashion industry.”

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Students have access to spacious studios and cutting edge facilities

Beth Burrows, also studying Fashion Buying with Design, said: “This course really gives you an insight into the industry and keeps you up to date with the latest changes.

“Speaking to professionals gives you a different view of the business and shows you exactly what is expected from recent graduates in a job.”

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Last year DMU welcomed Simon Platts, Sourcing Director at ASOS, who spoke to students about sourcing clothing responsibly to tie in with the course’s Sourcing and Supply module.

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Fashion Design students are based in the spectacular Vijay Patel Building

Fashion Buying with Marketing student Jessica Almond who attended Simon’s lecture said: “There are some things you can’t learn in the classroom, so getting this kind of insight directly from the industry is really important.

“Not only did Simon talk about how ASOS is working to close the supply chain, he also outlined what some of the other brands like H&M and Patagonia are doing too.

“Thanks to all the input we’re getting I feel we’ll be going into the industry with the knowledge employers are looking for.”

Julia Ling, DMU’s Programme Leader for Fashion Buying, said: “Bringing industry professionals in to meet the students is so important.

“The fashion industry is constantly changing and there are always new developments that the students should know about.

“Next in our series we’re looking forward to welcoming successful fashion business owner Fiona Bailey, who will talk about the set-up of her business and sourcing products for it.”

As well as Fashion Buying with Marketing or Design, DMU now also offers Fashion Buying with Garment Technology or Merchandising.

Posted on Friday 20 January 2017

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