Super talented young designer Sindy won the Innovation Award at the Fashion Futures Final last year. Part of her prize was the opportunity to take up a weeks work experience placement at All Saints.
Joanna came to see Sindy at work in the Pattern Cutting room for a quick catch up…
What have you been up to since your Fashion Futures win?
‘I’ve been back at college doing my Level 3 Fashion BTEC. I’m thinking about what I want to do for my final project. I’m applying to do a Foundation Course at a few places, Kingston, Westminster, CSM, LCF and Middlesex. I’m adamant that I want to go to the top fashion universities, I’ve at least got to try!’
How’s your week been at All Saints?
‘It’s been really cool, I learnt a lot. Intense is the word!
I’ve been working 9-6 everyday, my first full time, full on work day. I was trying to get proper industry work experience for a while but I never managed to get something back. So this has been really, really worthwhile for me.
It’s my first time in a professional pattern cutting room. I learnt to use the digitizer, this big machine, it’s called Gerber – something I never even knew existed. I love it! In school we’re not taught that, we use the blocks. I’ve been doing more draping on the stand and sewing. I’ve been working towards completing a dress. I’m nearly finished!’
‘ I’ve been working with everyone but mainly with Robert. The best bit has been meeting such lovely people, and asking them about their journey, then trying to reflect it back to mine. I feel more confident and I’ve learnt a lot. I just want to thank everyone here for the experience.’
We heard on the grapevine (ahem…Robert) that the team were so impressed by Sindy they offered her another week of work experience. But sensible girl Sindy is she decided not to take them up on the offer as she had university interviews to prepare for.
Watch this space, we’ve got a feeling Sindy is going to go far. Huge thanks to Robert Basely and all at All Saints for their continuing support!
If you’re interested in pattern cutting, you can read about All Saints Senior Pattern Cutter Robert’s career journey and what he looks for in an employee here
