RGU student Rachel shares her experience on her Fashion Management placement at a size-inclusive store in Aberdeen and what she has learned.
As RGU is a professionally-focused university, and proud member of the University
Alliance, the duration of my Fashion Management degree has, unsurprisingly, been filled with a magnitude of modules and teaching methods which have greatly supported the development of practical skills, helping to build strong foundations for a graduate career in the hectic world of fashion…
At the end of my third year of studies, the opportunity to get out
and about into the retail environment to put my theoretical understandings into practice
couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Without hesitation, submission of a CV and cover
letter, and a subsequent interview later, I was fortunate enough to secure a 6-week Fashion Management placement at Aberdeen size-inclusive fashion boutique, Style for your Shape.
It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to look back and reflect on such a valuable period within my RGU journey, and talk about just some of the highlights and key takeaways from my (short but wonderful!) placement adventures…
Who is Style for your Shape?
Despite its now recognisable name within the fashion community of Aberdeen, ‘Style for your Shape’ first began as the slogan for Victoria Mutch’s curvy boutique, V+ Style, launched in 2020.
Reflecting upon frustrations with the lack of availability for fashion on the high street
as a curvy woman, Victoria’s business operated initially as a pop-up shop, before growing
success and support from satisfied customers. This enabled the opening of a brick-and-mortar store in the city centre of Aberdeen. Now located on Schoolhill, proudly sporting the Style for your Shape name, the store offers size-inclusive casual and occasion wear garments for all, ranging from sizes 8-28.
What was I involved in during my placement?
Providing excellent customer service
With a core focus on the provision of a ‘personalised shopping experience’, from the infant
hours of my placement, I had the chance to interact with the diverse Style for your Shape
customers, and utilise my academic knowledge and understanding to assist with one-to-one styling sessions. From weddings to funerals and race days to fundraisers, my retail position saw incredible variety, helping women find the perfect outfit for each and every occasion, all whilst building a safe space to try new things, igniting a new-found sense of confidence as each lady found their new fashion favourites!
Taking part in events
Arriving at such a busy period for Victoria and the team, I was incredibly fortunate to have
the chance to work on several exciting projects during my short time on placement, and gain invaluable memories to last a lifetime.
The Charlie House Fizz and Fashion Event is quite frankly an experience I will never forget.
Assisting with the organisation and styling of outfits for ten fabulous, inspirational ladies to
strut down the runway was a complete honour. Working alongside the Style for you Shape
team, curating two outfits that helped each model feel special, was incredibly rewarding to
be even just a small part of. The opportunity to help foster a strong sense of community, and create a comfortable environment for each lady to step outside of their traditional comfort zone was a primary focus. The event offered the chance for each lady to prioritise themselves, all whilst recognising the incredible work they do in caring for their own children who battle life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Coordinating a photoshoot
The final week of my placement was devoted to the coordination of the Spring/Summer 2024 photoshoot. Module after module, my degree so far has been populated with study
surrounding photoshoots and their organisation, so the opportunity to solely plan, and direct the Style for your Shape shoot was one of the most valuable takeaways from my 6-week experience.
Problem solving became key as with over 100 outfits to shoot in just a few hours,
much like solving a (very tricky) jigsaw, I had to create a running order that allowed all four
ladies to be in the same outfits at the same time, with group, duo and individual shoots to
capture. Prior organisation paid off however, and the shoot was a great success. Seeing the final images from the photographer, and shots uploaded to the Style for your Shape website is a proud moment for myself, and the lasting impact of this day will hopefully be evident for months to come.
Oh and I should also probably mention… The duration of all these fantastic experiences did involve me running around with a phone in my hand at all times, making sure to capture each and every highlight on my phone, helping to create a portfolio of content for the Style for your Shape social media channels. Let’s just say a mobile battery charger and adobe photoshop are my new best friends!
What did I gain from my fashion management placement experience?
Whilst my placement endeavours maintained strong diversity throughout, the previously
mentioned core focus on ‘exceptional customer service’ warranted the need for effective,
compassionate communication with every customer, at all steps in their fashion journey.
Stepping outside of my comfort zone, to work one-one-one with women each and every day undeniably strengthened my interpersonal skills, and increased my personal confidence moving forward.
From fear of starting conversations with store browsers in Week One, Week
Six saw excitement and intrigue whilst I engaged in lengthy conversations with passers-by each shift.
What advice would I give to fellow students?
DO IT! It’s as simple as that really. As a student myself who once expressed doubts on the
value of the placement experience, I hope this blog has helped to highlight my utmost
enthusiasm and strong positive emotions towards this fantastic opportunity offered at RGU. Even in such a short space of time, I have gained a multitude of experience
spanning different aspects of my degree, and worked on projects not offered in academic
education.
If you have the chance to undertake a placement, no matter the length, grasp it
with both hands, you just never know where it might lead.
Rachel Johnstone
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My placement with Nike in Amsterdam as a Fashion Management student
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