Matt
Pallett

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

“I really like Nottingham. It’s very diverse and there are lots of great restaurants and bars right on your doorstep. Nottingham has a real creative buzz about it and it’s also easy to travel to other cities as there are good transport links.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?

“It’s extremely versatile and we’re given the freedom to express our individuality. There are no restrictions; you can make your wildest ideas come to life. The tutors are always happy to provide support and we are also lucky enough to have guest tutors from industry.”

Has your course included any live briefs?

“My favourite live brief has been in my final year. We worked on a project with John Lewis where we were briefed by a designer and a buyer to create a six figure line-up for their collection. It was challenging and fun to work on a commercial project that required me to tailor my personal design style to suite their brand. It’s helped me to improve my awareness of high street fashion and learn to consider the entire design, manufacturing and sales process.”

Have you participated in any industry competitions?

“I have recently been awarded a yarn sponsorship from Novetex; I received 15kg of a yarn of my choice for free. It's paid for my collection and allowed me to work with a great material. The opportunity was set up by the university. I had to knit a variety of swatches and submit a design board to showcase my collection work to be considered.”

Has the course included any guest lectures?

“We have a lot of guest tutors come in which I really enjoy. Recently, Carlo Vulpi came in to talk to the first years, however, we were allowed to attend and we also received a tutorial from him. I really like his work so it was amazing to have the opportunity to listen to his story from university to where he is now with his established brand.”

Have you completed any work placements?

“The knitwear course at NTU comes with an optional placement year which I chose to partake in. I completed three work placements at Chikimiki in New York, Luna & Smith in London, and All Knitted Swatch Design in Northampton.

"During all three of my placements I learnt new skills and also matured as a person. I can now take with me new knowledge and insights into industry when I leave NTU and start working.”

How do you find the student community at NTU?

“Everyone is friendly at NTU. I find the students very approachable and there’s a sort of ‘family’ vibe. We all get along really well.”

Why would you recommend your course?

“I would recommend my course because of the great reputation it has within the knitwear design industry. From knowing very little at the beginning of my degree, I am now filled with knowledge in this field of design and feel extremely specialised in it.”

Where do you hope to be in the next five year?

“I would love to be back in New York working for a knitwear brand.”