<p dir="ltr">Technical Demonstrator <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/jen-moorby">Jen Moorby</a>, who works closely with <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-design">BA (Hons) Fashion Design</a> students, said: “‘THE NEW RURAL’ symposium was a great success, helping to shine a light on slower approaches to the fashion industry, in direct opposition to the notion that fashion needs to be London-centric and rely on massive production runs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Designers and makers were gathered to share their experiences of setting up small locally focused businesses. Together we welcomed Ella McGregor, from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raine_studios/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raine Studios</a>, Teagan Pharoah-Green, from <a href="https://www.fiercefloraclothing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fierce Flora Clothing</a>, and Alice Sainsbury, from <a href="https://tao-studio.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tao Studio</a>, to speak about their experiences within the fashion industry and share their expertise with students and guests. The students took great inspiration and asked thoughtful questions, sparking a vibrant group discussion.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Alice Sainsbury from Tao Studio said of the symposium: “It was such a pleasure to come down and meet you all. It was also so refreshing to see a course that is so nurturing of its students' wellbeing. It feels like you have, and are creating, something very special, that is so needed in the industry and education right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Teagan Pharoah-Green from Fierce Flora Clothing said: “I had such a wonderful day at ‘The New Rural’. It was an absolute joy to speak to the students, I was so impressed with how inquisitive and thoughtful they were. I was fascinated by your curriculum, it's so rare to see practical, varied skills at the centre.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Course Leader Heather Martin said: “In light of shifting perspectives relating to sustainable and inclusive fashion practices, disrupted supply chains, regenerative farming initiatives and an evolving employment market, it is time to reframe the fashion industry’s urban-centric perspective and better understand the growing dialogue around creative practice outside of the city.<br /></p>

<p>“Arts University Plymouth BA (Hons) Fashion Design course brings together a group of established and independent fashion design creatives to discuss making work just where you are and building a networked creative community at the furthest edges of South West England.”</p>

<p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Arts University Plymouth provides a comprehensive design education for independently-minded fashion thinkers and makers who are looking to influence change within the fashion industry. Fashion is one of the largest employers in the UK’s creative industries and studying fashion design at Arts University Plymouth gives students the opportunity to cover topics including future forecasting, concept and design development, creative pattern cutting through and leading compelling marketing campaigns.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">By combining traditional craft techniques with digital technologies, our students transform their concepts from two-dimensional fabrics into three-dimensional forms. Students learn ways of thinking that will inform their personal design philosophies and lead towards an individualised specialism, becoming future fashion thinkers, makers and versatile designers. <br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">To see work by graduating BA (Hons) Fashion Design students at Arts University Plymouth, visit our next <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-sept-24">Open Day</a> on Saturday 22 June from 10am until 2pm. The Open Day coincides with our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/graduate-shows-2024">Graduate Shows 2024</a>, a university-wide annual showcase that offers graduating students the opportunity to celebrate the culmination of their hard work whilst propelling them into the creative industries.<br /></p>