Photo by Masha Mel
What made you choose Vogue College of Fashion for your studies?
I chose Vogue College of Fashion because I wanted to understand more about the business side of fashion and the College offers a variety of courses tailored to my interests.
What were the most valuable skills you gained during your course?
While enrolled in Vogue College’s Fashion Business course, I gained significant confidence in my design abilities, allowing me to create work independently rather than relying solely on external companies. Although I still collaborate with professionals, the process has become more efficient thanks to improved communication.
Can you share an example of how you applied what you learned at Vogue College in your professional career?
The insights I gained from the course were invaluable, particularly in understanding the technical aspects often overlooked when launching a brand. For instance, I applied my knowledge of business procedures to a recent project, which helped me reduce costs and improve visibility.
Anna von Westen was founded in Milan and quickly established a presence in London. In what ways did the course at Vogue College equip you with the tools to scale your brand internationally?
My studies at Vogue College not only expanded my knowledge but also significantly boosted my confidence. The experience I gained in London helped me bridge the gap between my creative passion and the realities of the business world. I learned about strategies for effective international branding, which are essential for navigating potential risks as I work to scale my brand internationally.
Anna von Westen works exclusively with Responsible Jewellery Council-certified suppliers. Was sustainability part of your brand’s mission from its inception, or did it evolve as the brand grew?
Anna von Westen is deeply inspired by the memory of my grandmother, a woman who embodied grace and elegance. My mother’s enchanting stories about her influenced my vision to create designs that reflect virtues like confidence, kindness and balance.
From the inception of my brand, I recognized that sustainability would be vital to our mission. As we explored material choices, I felt it was important to incorporate kindness not only in our designs, but also in our business practices.
This led us to collaborate exclusively with Responsible Jewellery Council-certified suppliers, ensuring an honest and ethical supply chain. For me, everything is interconnected, and sustainability has been a guiding principle in building Anna von Westen from the very beginning.
Looking ahead, how do you anticipate the luxury sector will evolve over the next five years, and how do you see brands like yours adapting to these changes?
The luxury jewelery sector is navigating a challenging landscape, particularly with the rising price of gold and the increasing availability of lab-created diamonds. My team and I firmly believe in the value of natural elements, which we see as having inherent benefits for our well-being and lasting value.
I look forward to revisiting this response in a couple of years to observe how these trends develop. I sincerely hope the market continues to support designers who share these values and visions.
What advice would you give to students looking to build a career in luxury?
The best advice I can give to students is to be honest with yourself and your values. The luxury market is vast and highly competitive, and staying true to your beliefs will help you feel comfortable in every situation.
Embrace authenticity, as it will guide you through challenges and set you apart in your journey.
Develop your business skills and luxury expertise with short courses and master’s degrees in London.
