Valuable insight from leading professionals is preparing Fashion Buying students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) for a successful future in the industry.
Final year students are benefitting from a series of guest lectures with former and current representatives from big brands - such as George at Asda and ASOS – outlining the variety of roles within the industry, as well as the latest developments and trends.
Nel Black, former head of design at George and an independent retail consultant, was the most recent contributor discussing the 'ins and outs' of the fashion business.
Beth Burrows, also studying Fashion Buying with Design, said: "This course really gives you an insight into the industry and keeps you up to date with the latest changes.
Last year DMU welcomed Simon Platts, Sourcing Director at ASOS, who spoke to students about sourcing clothing responsibly to tie in with the course's Sourcing and Supply module.
Fashion Buying with Marketing student Jessica Almond who attended Simon's lecture said: "There are some things you can't learn in the classroom, so getting this kind of insight directly from the industry is really important.
"Not only did Simon talk about how ASOS is working to close the supply chain, he also outlined what some of the other brands like H&M and Patagonia are doing too.
Julia Ling, DMU's Programme Leader for Fashion Buying, said: "Bringing industry professionals in to meet the students is so important.
"The fashion industry is constantly changing and there are always new developments that the students should know about.
As well as Fashion Buying with Marketing or Design, DMU now also offers Fashion Buying with Garment Technology or Merchandising.