Dr Frances Corner talks to Wieden and Kennedy about how the London College of Fashion imbues creativity
Dr Frances Corner, Head of College at London College of Fashion came into the agency to share what the UK's only college to specialise in fashion education, research and consultancy does for the world of creativity. She gave us a fascinating insight into how LCF is challenging the traditional stereotype of fashion as a lightweight subject by extending fashion's influence on culture, economy and environment. Dr Frances says, "Fashion is a catalyst for change: by offering new models of consumption and gaining a better understanding of consumer behaviour we will encourage social and economic change."
http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/
I asked a couple of people who attended the talk to share what they found most inspiring about Dr Frances Corner's talk.
Dave Stevens
"That the LCF attracts an exceptionally high rate of international student applications came as a surprise; whilst it might seem obvious to say London is an international city we forget that its relative ease of access (both geographically and visa-wise), offering of teaching in English (vs. having to go to lectures in German in Berlin or Italian in Milan) as well as its uniqueness (the home of 'street' fashion) make it not only highly appealing but also hugely competitive.
"Secondly, I was impressed by the sheer breadth of the course offering. The blending of the arts with the sciences to create a cosmetics course where you can develop your own lipsticks demonstrates a progressive approach that doesn't exclude the sort of expertise you might not expect to discover at a fashion college."
Liana Chang
"I was impressed to hear how LCF was advocating and defining sustainable fashion, not just from a materials innovation and technology point of view but also from wanting to change the relationship consumers have with their clothes, to appreciate quality, details, and the act and event of wearing them. It seemed completely counter-intuitive to the trendsetting that happens from season to season, but makes sense when you think about how couture houses, bespoke tailoring, and independent designers are being crowded out by the high street fashion machines like H&M."
I would personally like to thank Dr Frances for inspiring us with her vision and passion for fashion. Oh, and of course, for agreeing to become a patron of W+K Platform.
Cheers
Sam
Links to interesting stuff going on a the London College of Fashion
http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/pigeonsandpeacocks/
http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/snapshot/?s=broadwick+street+pop+up