Wassit Like...?!

We asked full-time RMIT Honours Fashion Design Student Harry Wallace how he rides the crest of challenges that come with fashion design as a study and career path along with the need to gain industry work experience, and this is what we found!

Tell us about your experience with the RMIT BA Honours Fashion Design course so far. Has it changed you?

My experience in the RMIT Fashion program inspires me to work harder and expand my horizons in and outside of the program. My course (BA Fashion Honours) challenges students in the conceptual, material and design processes of being a fashion designer. Being a fashion designer however, is not limited to your fashion practice. I’ve found that it’s important to challenge myself in other areas of my life to be successful in designing. Having a clear mind and constantly challenging yourself in everything will allow you to focus your design and ideas in fashion. The key to my success and ability to cope in and out of the program has always been having a balance.

As much as work experience is important for fashion design, can that realistically be done during intensive full-time fashion studies?

It seems impossible but it’s not. I would say challenge yourself by doing sports, going to the gym, doing extra-curricular activities or pick up a hobby. You’ll meet new people and will build friendships and bonds that will keep you inspired. Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to your success.

Tell us more specifically about the type of industry experience you are pursuing and how that influences your design process.

Personally, I go to gym, work on my own clothing brand @purgat_ry and work with @ASOS DESIGN to keep myself busy. Anything that gets you into the fashion industry directly during your time at uni will propel your thinking and understanding of what direction you want to go in the industry. For me @ASOS has shown me the influence style and clothing can have on people and how important that is. @ASOS DESIGN finds the perfect balance between functionality and style which is something I admire in my own design processes.

More info on ASOS student discounts