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University Of Hertfordshire Students Design For Boden

Fashion Design and Marketing students at the University of Hertfordshire have shown the industry their talent, designing and producing an entire autumn outfit for international fashion retailer, Boden.

The University teamed up with Boden to create an industry based project for second year students. Sixty-six students faced the challenges of real-life fashion design and production to create an outfit which meets industry standard.

The opportunity

The University of Hertfordshire is always keen to give students projects which offer real industry experience. When Tony Rosella, Programme Leader for Fashion met Boden’s Director of Product Technology Sue Fairley, they created an opportunity for second year Fashion Design and Marketing students to design and create an entire Boden autumn outfit.

The project would not only be marked by course tutors but the finished designs would also be entered into a competition, offering a University of Hertfordshire student a one-month placement with Boden.

The challenge

The project began with an introductory session where students learnt the significance of shape, fabric and finish, as well as the importance of understanding the Boden buyer and what makes Boden different to other retailers.

The students were shown every aspect of the Boden organisation from customer services to product buying, learning all of the career options available to Fashion graduates. In the design area the students witnessed the same equipment and creative processes as they themselves use every day at the University of Hertfordshire.

Each student was set the challenge of designing and creating an autumn outfit, including a jacket or coat. The outfit had to be flattering, comfortable, versatile and most importantly, be something Boden. This was more than a competition, these students were getting real work experience, designing an outfit for a real-life brand.

The results

Boden were more than impressed with the talent of the Fashion students. From the sixty-six students who took part, fifteen outfits were shortlisted and sent to the Heads of Design at Boden House. The final three outfits were chosen and Boden shoppers were asked to vote for their favourite designer.