A former City of Bath College student has become a rising star in the fashion world, working for a world-famous fashion brand and exhibiting her designs in Paris.
Lucy Penny, 24, studied on the Fashion and Textiles Design Skills Foundation Degree at the College, before spending a year on Bath Spa University’s Fashion Design course, and topping up her degree to a BA.
After leaving university, Lucy was quickly snapped up the international fashion brand Karen Millen, who offered the rising star a position as Design Protégé.
Recently, Lucy was one of 10 finalists chosen to exhibit her designs at the fashion trade show ‘Who’s Next?’ in Paris, after winning a competition on the Artsthread website.
Lucy said: “It was really exciting to be chosen to show my work in Paris, and a fantastic experience too. It’s great to have interest in your work from a wide mix of people throughout the fashion industry and from international media.
“I’m so lucky to be doing something that I love. I’m really enjoying working at Karen Millen and hope that I can progress within the company. Eventually I would like to work as a womenswear designer for a well-renowned fashion house.”
Lucy said the inspiration for her designs came from a variety of sources. “Inspiration can come from all kinds of places, such as stories in the media, art and photography exhibitions and experiences that I’ve had on my travels. All sorts of experiences contribute towards my designs.
“I design contemporary, elegant womenswear, paying attention to fine details that make a garment feel unique. I like to use a variety of fabrics that can be manipulated to create depth and contracts to the surface of the garment. I also create digital prints, adding another dimension to my designs.”
Lucy said that she had enjoyed her time studying at City of Bath College.
“The course taught me all the core skills I needed to help me quickly develop and build up my own skills as a designer,” she said.
“The teaching was great – there was constant support and encouragement. I would definitely recommend the course, especially for students who are unsure exactly what route to take within the fashion and textiles industry. It gives you a wide range of knowledge and skills that can then be adapted to the direction you choose.”
For more information about Fashion courses at City of Bath College call 01225 312191 or visit www.citybathcoll.ac.uk
