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Jess
Braithwaite

United Kingdom
This course equips you with the specialised skills and industry experience to go out into industry and secure a role that very few young designers would be capable of handling.

More about Jess

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“I chose NTU because the School of Art & Design had the best facilities I had seen, alongside excellent industry connections. I was also sold by how specific the course was - I knew I wanted to study fashion but I had previously considered studying an MA in knitwear in order to specialise. This course enabled me to specialise straight away, making the chance of securing a job in the fashion industry far more likely.  The fact the course offers a placement year is something that was also very important to me.”

Can you tell us about the UKFT MADE IT campaign and the designs you produced?
“The UKFT MADE IT campaign is a project that UKFT are conducting with five universities across the country. The aim is to promote young talent within the UK and manufacturing within the UK, pairing the two to produce a selection of work to be showcased within the UKFT Made It instillation at Make It British Live in the Old Truman Brewery.

“It is such an honour to have had my designs selected to be manufactured by John Smedley, and to be apart of the showcase at the Truman Brewery. Being able to show my friends and family a final manufactured garment is going to be incredible.”

A snapshot of the Jess' project proposal 'Being Alive'

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“I love that I am able to have full control over the entire making process - designing an outfit, sourcing the yarn, knitting the fabric, and constructing the garment. It's amazing!”

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt from your course at NTU so far?
"Hard work, positive thinking and determination is the key to producing the best knits. There will be days where everything goes wrong but you have to stick at it."

Has the course included any guest lectures?
Yes, in our first year we heard from Helen Palmer, the Director of Materials, textiles & Knitwear at WGSN. Carlo Volpi also ran a workshop and lecture for us. His vibrant and creative work was mesmerising and it was clear how much he loves his work. He made me start to think about whether I’d like to start up my own business in the future."

How do you find the course staff?
“The knowledge of the tutors and technicians never seems to end! They are always more than happy to help you with your work, or any problems you might have. Working together, you’re always able to resolve any issues with your work, whilst learning new ways to resolve similar issues in the future.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you on your course?
"We have the best knit facilities in the country, possibly even the world! The technicians are so helpful and will answer any question you have, even if it’s the 100th question of the day."

Why would you recommend studying BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles?
“This course equips you with the specialised skills and industry experience to go out into the industry and secure jobs that very few young designers are capable of handling. In an industry that is getting more competitive by the day these experiences will set you apart from the crowd.

"I’m obviously biased but I couldn’t think of somewhere better to study knitwear in terms of facilities, atmosphere and diverse city life."

What are your ambitions for the future?
"I’d love to work my way up within a fashion house after graduation and looking ten years in the future possibly starting up my own knitwear label."

Still need help?

+44 (0)115 941 8418
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