Global Fashion System module give students a sample of local designers

Two international students have reflected on having the chance to experience the UK fashion industry first-hand.

MSc International Fashion Marketing students Shreya Dutta and Muhammad Muzammil both recently visited textile company Creation Mill CIC in Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway.

The trip in October came as part of a wider project put in place by lecturers to help students on the Masters programme learn about the various stages of the fashion value chain, helping them to develop a broader understanding of the global fashion system.

Two other groups of students also visited backpack designer, Trakke, and luxury accessories manufacturer, Alex Begg.

Programme Leader Louise McBride said: “We are very fortunate to have these local production facilities close by and took advantage of this by getting students out to see how theory relates to practice.

“The visits are embedded into the practical sessions of The Global Fashion System module which aims to give students a foundational knowledge and understanding of the different actors that make up the fashion value chain and an appreciation of textiles and production processes. It also provides an opportunity for them to apply systems thinking to the fashion industry context. ”

We caught up with Shreya and Muhammad to find out more about their experience and how it will benefit their future careers:

Just to start us off, how did you both come to study at GCU?

Shreya: “I’m a textile designer. I studied at the National Institute of Fashion Technology for four years back in India. I then decided I wanted to come to the UK and heard about GCU having a really good reputation. I liked that when I emailed people I always got an answer within the next day – it really helped me feel valued and that’s continued throughout my studies.”

Muhammad: “I completed my Undergraduate in Textile Management and Marketing in Pakistan. I then started working in the denim sector working for various international brands, including Zara and Calvin Klein Jeans.

“After five years, I decided that I wanted to enhance my skills on the international platform. I decided to go for the Masters programme after speaking to one of my friends who also studied MSc International Fashion marketing at GCU. A big part of the reason I chose GCU was because of how many amazing opportunities the course provided…this visit being one of them!”

Tell me a bit about the idea behind the visit to Creation Mill CIC?

Shreya: “It’s part of our coursework and it’s basically been designed for people who worked in the fashion industry but might not know as much about the production side of things. It was important for us as a class because it means that we have more knowledge around how the industry works and that everyone from the course has an equal understanding.”

Muhammad: “The programme we are studying requires a lot of practical exposure and the module we’re studying, Global Fashion System, is a holistic approach. We went to Creation Mill to look at how the product is being made, how the fashion system is working, and how the industry is putting more effort into sustainability. It was a great experience to visit Creation Mill and witness the process from start to finish.”

How exciting was it for you to get involved in something like this?

Shreya: “I was first attracted to this trip because we were told we would be driving 90 minutes to Langholm, so I was just thinking about all the amazing scenery we would be seeing outside of Glasgow! We got a big bus and were all very excited. It was fascinating to see the place when we arrived at Creation Mill because we saw their tiny huts and ground floor mill. It was also interesting that so many local people worked in the mill.”

Muhammad: “It was important for us because it was our first trip to industry in the UK, because I belong to Pakistan and Shreya belongs to India. It was a delightful experience for all of us to see how everything works within the United Kingdom.”

In terms of Creation Mill CIC, what do they specialise in?

Shreya: “I would honestly say they do everything! They take orders from clients, for example Burberry, and dye their fabrics. They also weave fabrics for the likes of Chanel and they’re well known on Instagram for customising clothes for people. They do everything from kids clothes through to tartan – it’s very impressive!

“When we arrived, we were introduced to the owner and the team that works with her. She greeted us with coffee and tea in her home before a five-minute walk to the actual mill. We started with the dyeing sector first where we actually saw the heavy machines which bulk dye various materials.

“It was also nice to hear about the sustainable aspect of the organisation. There’s a stream just beside the building and they use the water from that as part of the process – this is treated immediately and then sent back to the stream. It was interesting because the dyeing industry is recognised as not being very sustainable, so this gives us a more positive perspective.

“We also visited the weaving mill and saw the different machines used. It was particularly fascinating see the quality check room where the ladies used specific equipment to quality check the different fabrics.”

Muhammad, how important was it for you to get this insight into the sustainability aspect?

Muhammad: “Well, nowadays the biggest challenge a lot of industries are facing is around circularity and sustainability in their supply chain management. It was obvious to me that Creation Mill are making a real effort to be socially responsible. Everything they do in their processes follows circularity and sustainability, so it was a great example for us to experience.

“In the fashion industry, sustainability means a legacy of innovation and a solution for the environment. A lot of organisations are only looking at how we can save water and energy, but sustainability is much bigger than this. It means how you treat and provide benefit to your employees, how you take care of your social environment and community, and how you are recycling the waste that goes into the landfills.

“At Creation Mill, the way that they treat their employees in fascinating. There is no hierarchy, no bosses sitting upstairs; everyone is a leader. They all have an equal part to play in making their own decisions and discussing it as a team. The way the Director spoke about her own career and how she runs the company was an example of true leadership.”

How beneficial was this experience overall at this point in your career?

Muhammad: “This will obviously add massive value to my CV upon graduating. I can talk about my experience on this visit and reflect on how positive it was for me.

“I think this has been really beneficial for all of us, particularly international students. It has given us an insight into how organisations work globally and how small enterprises can get there work out around the world in a sustainable way. It’s been very fascinating and helps me realise how I can implement these different practices when I return home to Pakistan in future.”

Shreya: “When I was actually employed in the industry I was working as a print designer. I studied the design part but didn’t know anything about the marketing side. As a designer, I now know how everything is supposed to be produced and have a better understanding around things like cost. I also want to become more sustainable and this has given me a better idea how to implement sustainability throughout my professional career.”

You can find out more about GCU’s MSc International Fashion Marketing course here

By Ross Clark       
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter