Accessories Designer

Career:
I worked for 3 years in London for
an importing company, Hodson Designs, designing accessories
and handbags. I started as Design Assistant and was then promoted
to Designer.

I’m currently working as Head Designer of ladies handbags for a Hong Kong company.

Starting off:
I started off with a 1 year foundation after A levels, then 3 years at university studying for a degree in Fashion. After my degree, I applied for my first job at Hodson Designs where I stayed for 3 years and then joined the company Victco.

The work:
Working for Victco is very different as we're on the manufacturing side of things and get to see how the product is made. If things are wrong, we can change things more or less then and there, so we get to control what the product will look like. My job involves finding out what the customer requires and trying to come up with what they want. Then I put the ideas into work and come up with the product and put samples forward to them.

Highlight:
Travelling! Also, when I see people carrying and wearing my designs, then I feel I’ve achieved something and all of the hard work was worth it.

Low:
Long hours to meet deadlines. People think the world of fashion is all glamour - it’s also very hard work.

Tips from the top:
Be prepared to work long hours and to keep to deadlines. Also, accept your ideas being rejected sometimes, as not all designs are accepted first time round.

School or college days:
Things you learn at university are very different to actually working in the industry, so be prepared when you’re thrown in the big wide world.