EMILY RICHMOND

 

- What was your role on your placement?

My role was sewing but that also involved cutting out patterns, making tinsel, chokers etc.

 

- How have you found working for independent as opposed to a big corporation?

Working with an independent designer and a smaller team means you get to work closely with everyone so you feel more involved, which I feel has been really beneficial. At bigger corporations you don't always get that opportunity.

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- What did you find difficult?

The only thing I found difficult was when the sewing machines played up and made life hard, they're named after divas for a reason

 

- What did you find most enjoyable?

Getting to know everyone and working with them every day was the most enjoyable part, we'd always have a laugh and making Chloe's amazing clothes was so fun. I genuinely enjoyed every day of my placement.

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- What was your favourite item you've made?

I think my favourite item I made was a men's rainbow monster jacket for a guy in America, he made a slow mo video on Instagram of him wearing it and it was amazing. 

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- Will you take what you've learnt back to uni and beyond?

Definitely, before interning at BB I had never worked with jersey and Lycra because I'd always steered away from stretchy/difficult fabrics but I definitely feel more confident with using these at uni and in the  future. Also working with Chloe and learning from her has only made me more driven and determined to be a designer and eventually have my own little studio in the future. 

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- What was your highlight of the year?

It's hard to pick one but a highlight for me was making a jacket for one of Fergie's dancers, making pieces for celebrities was always very surreal and cool

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- What advice would you give to anyone starting a placement at BB HQ?

I was nervous before I started interning as it was my first one and I'd heard there were a lot of sassy interns at BB, but I needn't have worried because everyone is so lovely and funny and make you feel welcome, so enjoy your time there!

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ASHLEIGH-JO 

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- What was your role on your placement?
PA Intern 

- How have you found working for independent as opposed to a big corporation?
You have a lot more freedom to develop yourself within the company. As Chloe gets to know you on a personal level, she is able to discover what you're better at and then assign you certain job that fits your skills and interests.

- What did you find difficult?
It can be hard to keep on top of certain jobs as you will be assigned a job and the next minute vogue emails and wants jackets in NY tomorrow. Make sure you're organised so even the smallest jobs don't get left behind.

- What did you find most enjoyable?
That I got to see what an actual fashion business is like. You see the fun times and the hectic times aswell. I felt like I learned more in my internship than I have in my uni course.

- Will you take what you've learnt back to uni and beyond?
100% I've learned so much! There was never a boring day in BBHQ
 

- What was your highlight of the year?
Even though I didn't make the garments, when you see them on such successful and watched the brand gain more and more well deserved coverage. You're proud that you were somehow a part of that.

- What advice would you give to anyone starting a placement at BB HQ?
Give it your absolute all. Make sure you let Chloe know what your key interests are so you can be developed. 

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Vicky Ratcliffe 

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- What was your role on your placement?

I was a design assistant and garment maker.

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- How have you found working for independent as opposed to a big corporation?

As Bottle Blonde is an independent brand you get to try and experience a lot more areas to a business than what you would in a bigger company. You get a lot more hands on experience and much more trusted to do tasks alone which is just so valuable.

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- What did you find difficult?

Having to work to short deadlines is something I find difficult. Sometimes the deadlines stylists give are unreasonable and you have to work quickly to get things done, when I work under pressure I can get stressed and then I start to make mistakes and stress out more!

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- What did you find most enjoyable?

Being in such a fun environment, you get to try so many different areas of a fashion business and it is so much fun being able to get to different things rather than doing the same things all day every day.

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- What was your favourite item you've made?

One of my favourite items has to be the neon orange Goddess jacket, from start to finish the design idea just flowed between us and it was a beauty to make.

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- Will you take what you've learnt back to uni and beyond?

100%, the practise with making garments and working under time pressure is something you can’t appreciate enough. It will definitely prepare you for collection making in the future.

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- What was your highlight of the year?

Definitely making the jacket for Lady Gaga, it’s always exciting thinking of crazy fun new products to make but to make a unique one off garment for someone so amazing was just the best experience even though she hasn’t worn it yet!

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- What advice would you give to anyone starting a placement at BB HQ?

Make the most of your time, it is something you won’t ever forget and an experience that you will completely enjoy! Just go crazy!

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http://vickyratcliffe.wixsite.com/womensweardesigner

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KAROL P

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 -What was your role on your placement?

Studio Assistant

 

- How have you found working for independent as opposed to a big corporation?

I had much more opportunities to test myself when working for Bottle Blonde as there was only a few of us so we had to do everything by ourself - fabric shopping, pattern cutting, cutting out of fabric, sewing, tagging&bagging (my favorite!) and sending finished products to customers - these are just a few that I had to do in past year.  I didn't feel like I am an intern that just do teas and coffees, sort paperwork out or clean stockroom. I always felt like I am valuable for the brand. I haven't been treated like a employee, always as a friend! 

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- What did you find difficult?

Most of my tasks I had to at Bottle Blonde I did for a first time and some of them were challenging but after a few attempts I was confident enough to do them on my own on daily basis but putting cycling shorts or leggings together still can confuse me!

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- What did you find most enjoyable?

Having lunch break at half 12!

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- What was your favourite item you've made?

Every Monster Jacket that I've made I was proud of! It takes a little while to make one but end effect is 100% worth it!

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- Will you take what you've learnt back to uni and beyond?

Definitely yes! I am more than capable to do my final collection now after making hundreds of garments at Bottle Blonde. 

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- What was your highlight of the year?

That day when storm Doris hit UK and we had to deliver clothes to stylist to London but trains were delayed by hours so I volunteered to drive. Whole trip took us about 9 hours but we've made it!

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- What advice would you give to anyone starting a placement at BB HQ?

Make sure you don't wear beige when Chloe is around. Otherwise she will send her evil chihuahua called Tommy to eat your trainers!

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http://karolusss7.wixsite.com/crazyfashionintern

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BETHAN FROST

 

- What was your role on your placement? 

PA Intern 

 

- How have you found working for independent as opposed to a big corporation?

I have learnt so much more by working for an independent brand as i've been given more opportunities to get involved with all aspects of a independent fashion brand rather than being restricted to just one area.

 

- What did you find difficult?

Keeping on top of a number of tasks at the same time can become difficult as the BBHQ can be hectic at times but when everything comes together in the end its really rewarding!

 

- What did you find most enjoyable?

Being able to say that I have been part of a independent fashion brand that is forever evolving has been the most enjoyable part of working at Bottle Blonde and also being able to meet new like minded people.

 

- Will you take what you've learnt back to uni and beyond?

Yes, especially back to uni as everything I have learnt here is really going to help me with my dissertation.

 

- What was your highlight of the year?

Taking part in the AW17 prep was really fun!

 

- What advice would you give to anyone starting a placement at BB HQ?

Go into BBHQ with an open mind because you will have the opportunity to take part in so many different things which you'll then be able to find out what you really enjoy the most

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SAMANTHA POULTON

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- What was your role on your placement?
Sewing & pattern cutting.

- How have you found working for independent as opposed to a big corporation?
I have had the best experience working for an independent brand, It's hands on learning on the spot! You can learn a lot about running a independent brand.

- What did you find difficult?
Using the coverstitcher. I still can't use it!

- What did you find most enjoyable?
Working in a fast pace environment and challenging yourself to see how much you can achieve.

- What was your favourite item you've made?
The long pink cascade jacket for Grouplove!

- Will you take what you've learnt back to uni and beyond?
Yes most deffinatly! Working on the job gives you an insight into everything business wise and you learn so much from every point of view.

- What was your highlight of the year?
There has been SO many!! But the Coachella jackets and Lady Gaga jacket.

- What advice would you give to anyone starting a placement at BB HQ?
Enjoy it! The pace is fast and can be overwhelming and you might think you can't do it but you can! At the end you will realise how much you know and amount you can achieve.
 

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