Yi (Louisa)
Chen

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“When I watched the catwalk shows from NTU’s Degree Show in 2015, I hoped that I could also design beautiful clothes for others.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“I like making clothes. I have learned many new clothes making skills and really enjoy pattern cutting and technique making.”

Has the course included any live projects or briefs?
“For my innovation project in my second year, I was able to imagine doing what I liked. I tried to make something bizarre that no one else has tried, and I even designed the patterns and textures of different fabrics.”  

Has the course included any industry competitions?
“Last year there was a competition run by ASOS, where I learned about design styles and industry requirements from their designer team to design better clothes.”

Has the course included any speakers from industry?
“Shingo Sato, a Japanese designer from TR Cutting School, introduced many interesting ways of creative pattern cutting, and turning simple fabric into three-dimensional creations. He even made some simple pockets into something very special.”

What do you think about the course staff?
“The staff help me to expand my mind and open my eyes. I have learned a great number of things I did not know before. My lecturers provide us with many interesting research directions.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?
“We get lots of help on pattern cutting, especially for some difficult designs. In the Bonington Gallery, there are many designs and introductions from many artists, as well as some student designs; there are always a lot of interesting things there.

“The library has lots of books to help us with our research and it is easy to look for what I want. There are also different areas for different needs.”

As an international student, what do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“It was not easy at the beginning, the culture change was a big shock. But I gained a lot of help about studying and living in Nottingham from teachers and friends.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design?
“For people who like fashion design, NTU is a good place for you to start or to improve your skills. You always see things that you have never seen before, and you can also find new opportunities.”

Have you completed any work placements?
“I worked for the T.I.T. Creative Industry in Shanghai, as a Womenwear Designer Assistant and Shop Assistant. I learned some new skills in fabric research and manufacturing.”

Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
“I am not sure where exactly, but I wish to go travelling around the world to experience different local cultures to gain more interesting design ideas.”