Fashion Knitwear Design students impress Boden during inaugural live project

Students in their second year of our BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles course recently had the opportunity to work on an industry project with British clothing retailer Boden. Renowned for statement knitwear, this project represented an extremely valuable opportunity for the students to respond to a real-life brief set by Boden, and to gain industry-level feedback on their work.

Kelly Carvalho, Talent Acquisition Partner and Clare Osbourne, a leader of the design team at Boden, visited NTU to deliver the live project this March. The live brief challenged the students to devise collections for the Boden customer through conducting research, developing samples and generating moodboards. Following a tough review process, Kelly and Clare selected three students to award work placements: Maudie Hodgson, Lythina Neenan and Ellie Wood.

Lythia thoroughly enjoyed the project, and told us: "Working on a live project for a company like Boded has truly opened my eyes to a new way of design. It enabled me to tailor my work to a company and learn to create something commercial, wearable and within Boden's style. Being awarded the live project prize was a reassurance that I am on the right track to becoming an employable designer. Having learnt about Boden's ethos and work environment, I am excited to work with the company. I feel it will be the perfect opportunity to see how Boden work from the inside, and to be able to see a garment idea through to fruition.”

Maudie added: “My concept for the collaboration with Boden focused on bringing luxury to everyday wardrobes through transitional day-to-night pieces that are made to last. My collection attempts to captures the comfort of home along with the luxury of wearing your best clothes everyday. This collection sits within the current fashion knitwear market as it moves away from the fast fashion throwaway culture, and towards a more sustainable and ethical culture in which we will spend more time caring for and preserving our clothing. In order to create more sustainable pieces, the quality of my garments will ensure that they can be worn for multiple seasons and occasions."

She continued: "It feels very rewarding to be recognised for all of the hard work that I put into this project, and it was very beneficial to be given feedback on my work from industry professionals. I am very excited to gain experience and work alongside Boden's team of designers."

Ellie said: "I want to say a massive thank you to Boden for giving me this amazing opportunity. This shows how hard work can really pay off. I am very excited for the next stage of my career."

Senior Lecturer Claire Preskey told us: “Live projects such as this are an essential learning experience for our students on the Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles course offering a true insight into all aspects of working for a brand. We were so excited when Boden approached us with interest in setting a live brief. To work with such an iconic and established brand has been highly rewarding. The project has enabled students to consider all aspects of the design process from understanding the company ethos, customer aspirations and forthcoming trends through to concept development, range planning and sampling. As a tutor it has been a pleasure to see the projects evolve and we very much look forward to working alongside Boden again in the next academic year.”

Kelly commented: ''This was the first live project Boden have completed with NTU Fashion Knitwear Design students, and what an amazing success it has been. The students presented some amazing projects which demonstrated their understanding of Boden and our customer. They presented some great final designs and made it very difficult for us to choose our three winners. We wanted to say a massive well done to all the students who took part in the project.''