The Gist of Fashion School

Most people don't know what being a fashion student really means. Truthfully, I didn't know what I was in for when I got to fashion school either.

"'What is fashion school anyway?''
''Are your parents okay with you studying that?''
''So you do dress making?''
''When are you going to sew for us?''
''Oh so it's a certificate?''            

These are all some commonly asked questions I've been getting for the past three years, with that said, here is my answer. I am in my third and final year now, at the Leaders in the Science of Fashion (LISOF) Academy in Johannesburg. After this year I will receive a degree qualification for a Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Fashion. I am proud of what I do.

Me outside LISOF.

                A backdrop at LISOF that depicts possible careers for its students.

So, no. I don't know a thing about sewing and I can't make you an amazing piece of apparel. I can however, give you insight about trend forecasting and merchandising mathematics as well as a theoretical approach to fashion. I study the business side of fashion which consists of majors like: Buying and Merchandising (where we are taught that there is more to this career than just buying and selling clothing like analysis of finance, budgeting and the importance of human relations) ; Marketing (where we are taught that creativity can take you to places you wouldn't even believe) and Media (where we are taught about blogs, print media, radio and film) all within the realm of the fashion industry.

As the year proceeds I look forward to posting regular updates on my blog, about all the grand challenges I will be facing this year, from fashion films that my peers and I have to create, to opportunities like setting up a  major charity event (watch this space) as part of our Project Management subject for LISOF, I simply cannot wait!            

An inside view of LISOF:

For my first day back at campus I wore:

A bicycle patterned printed shirt from cotton on;

"hand me down" boyfriend jeans from my sister;

my timberland look a likes also from Cotton On;

my husbands bicycle patterned bow tie (which I didn't know how to put on so instead I just wore it loosely). To finish off the look, a bag and watch, both hand made in Thailand.

Detailed view of my shirt and bow tie and watch.

This year is going to be the most exciting year as I plan to leave, with a bang!

Third year LISOF let's go!