Fashion Futures 2012, graduating from BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development at London College of Fashion
Since taking part in FAD Fashion Futures back in 2012, Monique Davidson has come a long way. Having just submitted her final collection at the London College of Fashion (LCF), where she studied Fashion Design and Development, she’s due to start a job in buying at River Island later this year. ‘Although I did a design course I always wanted to go into buying,’ she says. ‘I felt it would give me more opportunities to go down a different avenue.’
Inspired by her huge passion for fitness and personal training, Monique’s final collection was based around the idea of creating everyday clothing for the muscular physique. ‘I found a really good niche in the market where no one was catering for that,’ she explains. ‘The collection is very high street but it fits the physical physique, and is inspired by the idea of muscular development and the anatomy.’
While she’s excited about taking that next step into the fashion industry, she’s grateful for the part FAD had to play in it all. ‘FAD opened me up to a lot of opportunities,’ she continues. ‘Through them I was able to help backstage at London Fashion Week and Graduate Fashion Week, so to have that on my CV was impressive for work opportunities and placements, as well as getting into LCF.’
Even with her upcoming job at River Island, FAD had a part to play. ‘I met someone called Danielle from Fashion Futures who works at River Island as an assistant buyer, who I’m still in touch with today,’ Monique explains. ‘She gave me advice on what the company looks for so if I hadn’t met those people in that environment I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m really grateful!
And, when it comes to giving advice to those taking part in FAD today, Monique urges them to ‘enjoy FAD and use it to your advantage. It’s an amazing opportunity and a lot can come from it in the future.’
