This week Christopher Bailey, Design Director for Burberry Fashion House, took time out to talk to Textile Design students at Chelsea College of Art and Design and to answer questions about his views, ideas and experience of designing for Burberry.
During the hour session Chris spoke about the Burberry philosophy and their approach to design. He answered students’ questions regarding their different lines, the concepts behind the designs and their origins; describing how the colour, texture and attitude of a fabric can inspire a whole collection.
Chris also talked about the democratic origins of the company, describing how their founder Thomas Burberry (C19th) gradually became adopted by the nobility to the point where the King would simply ask for his ‘Burberry’ yet still continued to serve the needs of all levels of society. Chris explained the challenge this brings to their design team and the different ways that they have attempted to maintain and promote this sense of heritage while ensuring that the brand remains relevant and contemporary.
This session provided a great opportunity for students to get a valuable insight into the workings of a major fashion house and Chris answered questions on the company’s approach to sustainability, how design teams work together and are recruited and gave tips on forging a career in the industry. He encouraged students to develop their own point of view, individuality and attitude and stressed the importance of being able to communicate all these aspects through their work.
The link between Chelsea College and Burberry Group plc is the Millbank location in London and a deep commitment to the development of innovation and quality in the design and use of textiles. For the past two years the Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground has also played host to the seasonal fashion shows.
A series of lectures, workshops, processes and materials have been offered to students to extend their practice with a grant from Burberry plc, under Christopher’s direction. In addition to this week’s visit, Chris will continue to engage with the project by responding to student questions on a blog and offering a professional context and eventual work-placement.
Recently a project was devised to connect the central theme of sustainability project for Final year BA and MA Textile Design Students during the Autumn Term 2010. In response to the project brief ‘Inside/Outside’, students will design a collection of beautiful fabrics to inspire fashion designers, which make the most of the fabrics’ qualities in stitch, weave, knit, print and digital production. Using models of production, valuing craft skills and awareness of new technologies, the project emphasis on sustainable luxury offers a model for students to translate their ideas into action.
The work will be judged by the Chelsea textile staff team and Christopher with the winning designers receiving a Burberry Sponsor’s Prize and internship in Burberry’s studio.
You can read more about this project as it evolves and also find out about other innovative live projects currently being developed by Chelsea textile students and staff.
http://chelseatextilestudents.blogspot.com/
