Friday, December 23, 2011

Want to work for Mary Portas?




Mary Portas is looking for new recruits...Could you be a new Yellow Door worker?

http://www.maryportas.com/mary/agency/recruiting/


Mary Portas Vacancies:Brand Director
PR & Communication Vacancies:
Account Director
Business Vacancies:
Executive Assistant


Retail expert Mary Portas seeks dynamic and motivated people to join her brand communication agency, Yellowdoor.
We are seeking candidates with a strong understanding of fashion, luxury and retail and who share our passion for creating innovative, infectious and effective communication campaigns.
Applicants should aspire to or already demonstrate strategic thinking with both brand and market understanding, have a desire to create and manage ‘best practice’ above and below the line communications campaigns and be an enthusiastic and resourceful team player for both Yellowdoor and its clients.

About Yellowdoor
Working for Yellowdoor means you’ll have loads to be proud of and definitely won’t have time to be bored. We’re clever and creative and don’t stop until we get the job done, and even then we’re already looking towards the next challenge. We give our teams the freedom to be creative and get hard work and commitment in return. The pace is fast but the results we deliver make work rewarding and fun.


Please contact us at jobs@yellow-door.com outlining clearly which role you are interested in within the subject box accompanied by a brief cover letter and CV.
Applicants that do not state which role they are applying for will not be considered.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A once in a life time opportunity

I realise that everyone is looking forward to Christmas but via the "In the Company of Wolves" Facebook page I was forwarded this message...

"Twenty Twenty are searching for up and coming fashion designers with the talent and drive to succeed in the fashion industry to take part in a new TV show. We welcome designers of any level, formal qualifications are not necessary although the ability to create clothing is a must. If you want the opportunity to see your clothes on some of the world’s biggest music stars then e-mail stylerocks@twentytwenty.tv or call 02074247715 for more information."


So maybe you would like to come out of hibernation get into fashion mode and get in touch.....



Thursday, December 15, 2011

First year skirts

This semester the first years have been working with Pudsey and creating a skirt the pictures of the skirts can be seen here.


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Should interns get paid?

HMRC ( Her Majesties Revenue and Customs) has written to 100 fashion houses reminding them that they have to pay the minimum wage to all interns.

This article in the Daily Mail explains the thinking behind this ruling.

This is a really important issue for our students who gain valuable insights and deep learning, by interning for some of the best fashion houses in the world including McQueen and Hermes.

So do you think the Tax inspector is right or not?



Poll on the right hand side or comments below....

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Mary Portas tells us what to do with Britains high streets



Mary Portas (honorary graduate of the school) was appointed by the prime minsiter and deputy prime minister To quote her website, to report on the state of Britains high streets and to offer suggestions as to how to halt the decline and bring life back to our town centres. The report is out today and the link so that you can read it online is here 


The following list is a summary Marys 28 recommendations:

1. Put in place a “Town Team”: a visionary, strategic and strong operational management team for high streets
2. Empower successful Business Improvement Districts to take on more responsibilities and powers and become “Super-BIDs”
3. Legislate to allow landlords to become high street investors by contributing to their Business Improvement District
4. Establish a new “National Market Day” where budding shopkeepers can try their hand at operating a low-cost retail business
5. Make it easier for people to become market traders by removing unnecessary regulations so that anyone can trade on the high street unless there is a valid reason why not
6. Government should consider whether business rates can better support small businesses and independent retailers
7. Local authorities should use their new discretionary powers to give business rate concessions to new local businesses
8. Make business rates work for business by reviewing the use of the RPI with a view to changing the calculation to CPI
9. Local areas should implement free controlled parking schemes that work for their town centres and we should have a new parking league table
10. Town Teams should focus on making high streets accessible, attractive and safe
11. Government should include high street deregulation as part of their ongoing work on freeing up red tape
12. Address the restrictive aspects of the ‘Use Class’ system to make it easier to change the uses of key properties on the high street
13. Put betting shops into a separate ‘Use Class’ of their own
14. Make explicit a presumption in favour of town centre development in the wording of the National Planning Policy Framework
15. Introduce Secretary of State “exceptional sign off ” for all new out-of-town developments and require all large new developments to have an “affordable shops” quota
16. Large retailers should support and mentor local businesses and independent retailers
17. Retailers should report on their support of local high streets in their annual report
18. Encourage a contract of care between landlords and their commercial tenants by promoting the leasing code and supporting the use of lease structures other than upward only rent reviews, especially for small businesses
19. Explore further disincentives to prevent landlords from leaving units vacant
20. Banks who own empty property on the high street should either administer these assets well or be required to sell them
21. Local authorities should make more proactive use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers to encourage the redevelopment of key high street retail space
22. Empower local authorities to step in when landlords are negligent with new “Empty Shop Management Orders”
23. Introduce a public register of high street landlords
24. Run a high profile campaign to get people involved in Neighbourhood Plans
25. Promote the inclusion of the High Street in Neighbourhood Plans
26. Developers should make a financial contribution to ensure that the local community has a strong voice in the planning system
27. Support imaginative community use of empty properties through Community Right to Buy, Meanwhile Use and a new “Community Right to Try”
28. Run a number of High Street Pilots to test proof of concept

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Space Couture

I thought that you might be interested in my other Blog http://www.space-couture.blogspot.com/


The Blog explores research by the course director of the fashion course into what are we going to wear in Space.... Enjoy

Bernat Klein textile innovator and fashion deigner

Bernat Klein (honorary graduate of the school) was interviewed by the Scotsman newspaper last week.






Sunday, November 27, 2011

17000 visitors

Somewhere along the line we missed the 16000th visitor! sorry if that was you.
However we are sort of back on track with the 17500th visitor dropping in this week. As we are reaching dizzy heights, we thought that our 17000 page should look at the altitude of 17000 feet and what goes on up there.....


So run your hands along the prayer wheels and continue your journey into fashion.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Kimono culture - a dying art?

Kimono culture - a dying art?





Beautifully patterned kimonos may be enduring cultural symbols of Japan, but the industry that produces the garments is in steep decline - and it is feared that soon there could be no craftsmen left with the skills to make them.
There is a very interesting article about the decline of the kimono industry produced by the BBC

Friday, November 18, 2011

Pudsey and year 1 of the fashion cluster had a great time last night

Pudsey was the special guest at the first year Fashion show in the School last night...Pudsey is wearing a shirt designed in the school and made of the Pudsey tartan also designed in the school.



Heriot-Watt wins global tender to establish £20m campus in Malaysia

Heriot-Watt University has been chosen to establish a new campus in Malaysia, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, at an investment of £20 million.
The University was chosen as winner of the major international tender by the Malaysian Government and Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, the company behind the delivery of the campus, in recognition of its strong reputation for creating diverse research and development opportunities and solid strong track record of success in linking with industry, commerce and the wider society.
As an established provider of international and transnational education, coupled with its success in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University was the clear choice for delivering a stellar education offering and a new campus in Malaysia
Datuk Azlan, CEO Putrajaya Holdings
The announcement will be made at a high profile event being held in Putrajaya tomorrow (Tuesday 15 November), which will be attended by Heriot-Watt’s Principal, Professor Steve Chapman, Michael Russell, the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and Y Bhg Datuk Azlan Abdul Karim, CEO of Putrajaya Holdings.

Strengthening our pan-global links

The new, purpose-built campus will create opportunities for up to 4000 undergraduate and postgraduate students to study a range of courses in science, engineering, business, mathematics and design, with a view to gaining a UK-recognised degree.
With around a third of the 7000 students studying at Heriot-Watt University coming from outside the UK, the move demonstrates the university’s drive to strengthen its pan-global links through the provision of valuable learning opportunities around the world. It will also open up the potential for students in Scotland to study overseas, improving and supporting their individual links with a broad range of globally operating industries.

International reach

The move will see Heriot-Watt University provide the opportunity for thousands of students from Malaysia and international markets to take advantage of the same top-level degree programmes available in the UK
Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University
Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University said, “Opening a campus in Malaysia is an incredibly exciting development for us. We are delighted to be in a position to announce our plans to establish a new campus in Putrajaya, which further extends our global reach.
“The move will see Heriot-Watt University provide the opportunity for thousands of students from Malaysia and international markets to take advantage of the same top-level degree programmes available in the UK.
“This builds on Heriot-Watt’s highly successful establishment of a campus in Dubai in 2005 and cements both the commitment to providing accessible, high quality learning opportunities around the world and our drive to secure valuable, mutually beneficial relationships with students, industry and government on an international scale.
“In addition to the 8000 students based in Scotland, we currently deliver degree programmes to 13,000 people studying around the world, through distance learning, international academic learning partners and our campus in Dubai.”

Ambitious plans

The fact that Heriot-Watt has been chosen to set up a new campus in Malaysia shows the real strength of the university abroad as well as at home
Michael Russell, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning
Michael Russell, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning said, “The fact that Heriot-Watt University has been chosen to set up a new campus in Malaysia shows the real strength of the university abroad as well as at home. I am impressed by the ambitious plans for this development and the way in which the Principal and his team continue to build on their reputation as an established international provider of higher education.
“This underlines the excellent global reputation of Scottish universities and the real quality of provision that Heriot-Watt offers in sectors that are important to Malaysia and its economy. I have no doubt this venture will be a success and help to strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

World-class education

Datuk Azlan, CEO Putrajaya Holdings, said that Malaysia’s aim to transform from a middle-income to high-income nation would require a keen focus and commitment to making world-class education accessible.
“Echoing the Government’s vision as outlined in the Economic Transformation Programme, education is one of the most critical drivers for our transformation to a high-income nation, with its impact on productivity and human capital development.
“As an established provider of international and transnational education, coupled with its success in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University was the clear choice for delivering a stellar education offering and a new campus in Malaysia.
“We recognise that the benefits of this partnership will go much further than creating an environment for learning. It will deliver opportunities for economic development and growth through supporting future generations of business and academic professionals and carve out even stronger links between our countries. We are very much looking forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead,” Datuk Azlan added.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Google and Saatchi gallery student photography competition

Google and the Saatchi gallery have a student photography competition running.....Link here
So get involved and let us see if we can get a winner...

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Olympic torch 2012



On June 14th 2012, the Olympic torch will be coming to see us....see you there?

Friday, October 28, 2011

Mellissa Spei graduate 2011

Mellissas collection has been photographed as part of the following exhibition in Glasgow...Private view invite below



Thursday, October 27, 2011

When first met fourth

Yesterday the first years dressed to impress the fourth years who are going to "employ them" as their mentees and help with their collections....

Thursday, October 20, 2011

14000 Visitors, time for a cup of tea

The influx of visitors from across the world is welcomed by the course and school....


Welcome to lot 14000

A collection of incredibly beautiful Nanking china and I think time for tea.....




Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Isolated Heroes and the Company of Wolves

Samantha Mcewans label "Isolated Heroes" has been quoted in the online magazine "The Journal"as one of the highlights of this years "In the Company of Wolves" fashion happening, in Glasgow on the 26th of October 2011


Looking forward to seeing work from graduates Atif Dean, Aimee Donofrio and Isla Scott.

Obscure couture in Retox Magazine

Graduates of the school Obscure Couture were recently showcasing their latest collection at the LGN catwalk in Londons Fashion Week.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Research Vacancy in the school


Research Associate in Smart Textiles for the Smart Costumes Research Project

Vacancy details

  • Ref no: 112/11/W
  • School/Section: School of Textiles & Design, School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences
  • Grade/Salary: Grade 7 £29,099 - £35,788
  • Closing date: 21 Oct 2011
  • Duration: Fixed Term 18 months
  • Location: Edinburgh Campus

Job description

School of Textiles & Design
Research Associate in the area of Smart Textiles for the ‘Smart Costumes: smart textiles and wearable technology in pervasive computing environments’ research project
Grade 7 £29,099 - £35,788 (18 months)  
The ‘Smart Costumes’ research project has initial funding from Heriot-Watt Universities ‘Creativity, Innovation and Design’ theme : http://cdi.hw.ac.uk/. The aim of the theme is to increase collaborative multidisciplinary research within the University and beyond. The focus of the ‘Smart Costumes’ project is to bring together textile design, computer science and electronics in order to explore the the interfaces and interaction between smart textiles and smart – or pervasive – environments for performance.
Applicants should ideally have either:
1.     A background in textile design having completed a PhD in practice–based research dealing with an area of research broadly relevant to the Smart Costumes project, which could include, smart/interactive textiles, wearable technologies, digital pattern design, or costume design. Additionally, they will also have a strong interest in computer science, be willing to learn aspects of programming and work within a multidisciplinary team.
2.     A background in computer science having completed a PhD in an area dealing with research broadly relevant to the Smart Costumes project in multi-modal interaction, which could include gestural or postural interaction, intelligent tracking, wearable computing. Additionally, they will also have a strong interest and knowledge of research in the area of smart textiles, costume or performance/performance environments. The applicant will be required to work closely with designers as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Applicants should have strongly developed research skills and be excellent all round communicators. They will be acting as the key researcher in the ‘Smart Costumes’ project taking the project forward through development of prototype pieces, publications and developing funding proposals for appropriate research councils to extend the research project.  The position will require a self-motivated creative thinker that can turn research ideas into reality. They should be innovative in their approach to research and bring their own ideas to the project. The applicants should have highly developed design/computer science skills to allow them to produce research outputs of the highest quality, combining textile design, computer science and electronics. The successful applicant will be joining a multidisciplinary research team split between the School of Textiles and Design, the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
For further information contact Dr Sara Robertson s.robertson@hw.ac.uk or Prof Ruth Aylett ruth@macs.ac.uk  

How to apply

Completed application forms may be returned by e-mail to hr@hw.ac.uk or by post to Heriot-Watt University, Human Resources, Edinburgh EH14 4AS. Tel. +44 (0) 131 451 3022 (24 hours), Minicom +44 (0) 131 451 8212.
Please quote the vacancy reference no. in any correspondence.

Friday, October 14, 2011

13000 visitors

Welcome to our 13000th visitor

England

France
Thailand

All images from the 13th century


Sunday, October 9, 2011

Obscure Couture

Obscure Couture was set up by graduates Lyndsay Pagan and Jennifer Coyle and was nominated for Scotlands young designer of the year, in the 2011 Scottish Fashion Awards.


Thanks to one of our favourite Scottish blogs Style Scanner



These images come from Obscure Coutures lookbook, on their Asos boutique 
where you can shop till you drop, 24/7...


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Mary Portas or Gok Wan

As you may have seen in the news Mary Portas (honorary graduate of the school) is designing a collection for House of Fraser


Gok Wan is designing a range for TU ( Sainsbury in-house clothing brand)


Both for Women.....

Who is going to come up with the succesful brand?

Vote on who you think will be most succesful, on the right hand side.......


Ashleigh Duncan Success and your vote is needed needed


Ashleigh Duncan from Fashion Communication Year 2 has been short listed for a Cosmopolitan Magazine blog award.

50% of the award is based on the public vote.

If you would like to see Ashleigh's blog and support her please go to


enter your email address

then vote for Asleigh Duncan

who is under 'Student blog'

12000 visitors




Welcome to our 12000th visitor (we are getting highly charged and excited by the attention)

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

5th Character

I found this interesting fashion film on a really interesting blog/magazine called 5th Character


Mario & Vidis – Changed from phantom on Vimeo.

Do click the link and go and have a look.....

( just as an added bonus some knitting!)


Monday, October 3, 2011

Last years graduates.... job opportunity


NEW - Junior Womenswear Designer - LONDON


A major lifestyle company are looking to employ a Junior Apparel Designer to work across the Designer

Collaboration range for Womenswear in London. The successful candidate will be assisting the Creative Director in

all design related tasks in addition to some administrative duties. The company is looking for a candidate with an


excellent understanding of fabric, colour and concept visualization. The ideal candidate should have strong


technical skills and be proficient with illustrator. To apply please send your CV and 2-3 work examples to 

Friday, September 30, 2011

Athif Dean and Emily Gough

Athif who graduated in June this year (2011) had a placement last year at McQueen (brilliant in itself and demonstrates the level of professional recognition that our students have within the fashion industry) this led to him being asked back to work on the dress which adorns the front cover of American Vogue this month....


We would also like to recognise Emily Gough, graduate 2011 who also worked on this garment during her placement at McQueen 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

David Black FDI4

Congratulations to David Black on a two page spread in the September issue of Campus magazine



Please follow this link to the magazine and then navigate to pages 46 and 47

The Social Tailor


This is an interesting blog exploring trends in retail and their use of social media and consumer interaction...