Photo credit: Rageinc

What made you choose Vogue College of Fashion for your studies?

I researched colleges and universities in South Africa and couldn’t find anything that offered what I was searching for. I’ve loved magazines my entire life and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion, specifically in the medium of publishing. Most institutions offer you courses and degrees in fashion design or retail management, which was definitely not for me. It felt serendipitous when I stumbled across the ad for the College in Vogue magazine as well as an interview with principal Susie Forbes. I immediately knew this was where I wanted to be.

What were the most valuable skills you gained during your programme?

Teamwork is essential to producing a great end product. I also learned how to understand trends and what your audience needs.

Can you describe a project or collaboration that had a significant impact on your learning experience?

For our final project we were placed in groups to plan the February issue of one of the 3 magazines we were given as options. Our team voted for Glamour magazine (even though I wanted Vogue). This project was the final confirmation that working for a magazine was what I wanted to do. After I completed my course and came back to South Africa, Glamour South Africa was the only place that offered me an internship. That final project equipped me for what I was about to step into and experience.

How did the faculty and industry professionals influence your career path?

The faculty were extremely invested in assisting us in the right placement opportunities. They recognised our passions and strengths and offered valuable advice. The insights shared by industry professionals gave us a clear understanding of what to expect in their particular field and what it would require to be successful.

Can you share an example of how you applied what you learned at Vogue College in your professional career?

One valuable lesson I learned at Vogue College was the importance and value of working as a team. Understanding this has afforded me amazing opportunities that would otherwise not have been possible had my attitude been different.

How has your perspective on the fashion industry evolved since graduating?

I have gained a lot more insight into and knowledge of the industry since working at Glamour, but most importantly I’ve grasped the influence that fashion publications have over their readers.

Were there any fashion events, talks or experiences at Vogue College that opened new doors for you?

I wouldn’t say a specific event opened new doors for me, but one significant event at Vogue College was a private viewing of the Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition. Being able to experience and view the craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton was something that I won’t easily forget.

What does a typical week look like as Fashion Director at Glamour South Africa?

My week varies depending on whether I have a shoot or not. If I do, my week is dedicated to prepping for the shoot. I have meetings with my cover star to share my moodboard and vision for the shoot and ensure we’re aligned and in agreement. I secure a location and hire the photographer as well as the hair and makeup team. Because I also style all of our shoots, I reach out to various South African designers as well as luxury retailers to source wardrobe and accessories.

If I’m not shooting, my week will revolve around producing content for our website. I also have deadlines for my print features and would typically be working on that. We also get invited to a variety of fashion and beauty events, which I attend.

Could you share some recent projects you’ve been involved in that have been especially rewarding for you?

I have loved being a part of our brand property event, Glamour’s Women of the Year awards, which we host annually. To see firsthand what these awards mean for the women who have won is incredibly humbling and inspiring. Recognition is vital as it validates the work these women do. Since we are a brand for women run by women, it makes it that much more significant.

What advice would you give to students looking to break into the fashion industry?

Be bold and intentional. DM other creatives that you admire and ask for opportunities to assist and learn. And if you’re able to, I would encourage you to apply to Vogue College as it was the best decision I could’ve made.

Explore Undergraduate and Master’s programmes at Vogue College of Fashion.