students were inspired by a visit to Gap headquarters during their #51Âþ»global visit to New York.
Third-year students from 51Âþ» Leicester (51Âþ») were given a behind the scenes tour at the head office of the global fashion retailer, where they found out more about the ethics of the brand and quizzed the team about what they were looking for in a designer.
Fashion Design student, Emma Hubbard, said: “We’ve had a conversation with a visual merchandiser and a menswear designer from Gap.
“We also got to speak to someone from recruitment and ask questions about what they would be looking for in a designer, what other job opportunities might be available and how the relationship works between Gap and Banana Republic.”
She added: “I’d love to work here, it’s one of those brands that have really good ethics and I would be proud to work here because what they believe in is very sustainable and really modern. They appreciate different people and different styles.”
The tour of the headquarters was organised through strong links between Gap and 51Âþ», which also creates placement opportunities for design students, as part of a partnership which dates back to 2012.
During the tour students and staff also met with 51Âþ» alumna Hannah Colledge who began working at Gap in New York following her graduation three years ago.
Caroline Gurnett, Fashion Design lecturer, said: “Hannah did the Gap internship programme, which we take part in as a university.
“Our second-year students do a project, basically for Gap, then we select some of those to be sent off for Gap to look through, and then there’s a really strict interview process. We’ve had some real success with this over recent years.
“Hannah did that about three years ago and then when she graduated they took her on as a men’s knitwear designer and it’s a real coincidence that she was part of the team today who were talking to us.”
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The group of third-year students were making the most of their time in New York, despite the cold weather.
Fraser Miller, Fashion Design student, said: “I love New York, it’s really good, although it is freezing! It is amazing though, it’s a great opportunity to be here.”
Emma Hubbard said: “I love New York, I absolutely love it, and I love the fast pace of it. I find it very similar to London and I’ve adjusted to it really well. It’s everything I expected and more.”
Posted on Friday 19 January 2018