Colourful Heritage Blog - LibGuides at University for the Creative Arts

Meeting Zandra Rhodes was so inspiring to me. Her passion for fashion was clear as she dedicated her life to her work and fashion, and working with her and the team was truly unforgettable. During this project, I realized how creativity and teamwork can achieve great things.

I also met 3 other students from different majors at UCA which was so interesting. We've learned a lot from each other and made great connections. Also, good communication helped us to support each other during this project.

This internship showed me how time can add history and meaning to each garment or piece. Working at Zandra Rhodes' Studio was a great opportunity during my academic journey and ti was full of new lessons, inspiration, and new friendships. I feel so lucky that I was part of this project.

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Reflections on being a project intern - Iuliana

This internship has been an incredibly enriching experience, providing me with invaluable insights into the heritage and history of garments. I learned about different types of trims and fabrics, the patience required to iron intricate clothing with many layers and ruffles, and the delicate process of repairing and mending historical pieces for photoshoots. Additionally, I gained practical skills in pinning and positioning fabrics on mannequins to showcase each garment as closely as possible to its original state. Some pieces were particularly challenging to put on due to their intricate designs and fragile materials. This required careful handling and precise techniques to ensure they were displayed correctly and safely. This hands-on experience has deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural significance of these garments, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply these lessons to my future endeavours.The best thing about this internship was the opportunity to see and interact with Zandra Rhodes in her studio nearly every day. It was mesmerising to witness her dedication and hard work firsthand, something I never expected when I started. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere was eye-opening, showing me what a positive and supportive work environment looks like.Completing this internship has given me a new perspective on my future career, One significant realisation I've had is understanding just how tough the fashion industry is, and the immense amount of work required to establish a successful career. Despite these challenges, I am more determined than ever to pursue my goals and eventually launch my own brand. This internship has reinforced my commitment to working hard and persevering until I achieve my ambitions....

Reflections on being a project intern - Emily

Zandra is quite a legend among myself and my peers. Studying print, Zandra is a pioneer of printed textiles and to work alongside her has been a privilege. I'm so proud to have been a part of the Colourful Heritage project. It's been very inspiring to meet Zandra and see her screen print room and all the components that go into her making an creative process.I love sewing and garment construction so being able to handle these garments up close and examine their production process is very insightful. That element of heritage, the story behind the garments is told by the visible hand stitching of the person who made it, the screen print is done by hand. That human element in the history of the clothes.I have expanded my skillset into documentation and archiving which is a brilliant experience to have. I wear a lot of vintage clothes, so I am familiar with mending and delicate handling of old fabrics. It has been thrilling to put those skills into practice with Zandra's legacy.Overall, it has been an amazing experience that I shan't forget. I feel inspired and motivated to keep working and create my own legacy....

Reflections on being a project intern - Angela

The day when I heard the good news about being selected for the Zandra Rhodes internship I felt over the moon to have the chance to learn from a well-known designer. I did research even before the interview and believed that I would learn so much from this experience. The designs and prints posted on the website and social media caught my eye because they are truly beautiful and I wanted to see them in person. Since I had done some printing back when I was doing my bachelor's degree I was also interested in understanding it further. I wanted to develop my knowledge of how prints are created and how the elements of a print can be developed. Every day I kept wondering and could not believe that I was part of this Colourful Heritage internship project.The first day of my internship with Zandra Rhodes finally came, I was really nervous but also excited and I tried my best. I learnt how to press garments nicely and met new people - Zandra Rhodes, everyone in the Studio, Lorna, Ellen, and the other interns. The following day I did some preparation again for the next photography session. I steamed and ironed different types of materials and designs, which always inspired and amazed me.Then, my first photography day arrived. It was great to make sure the garments were properly placed on the mannequin and ready to be photographed. After a few garments I swapped roles with the other intern. My fourth and fifth days of the internship were really great and I learnt a lot from them.On my sixth day, after all the garments were well prepared for the next photography session, we moved on to the accessories. The accessories - hats and hairpieces - were amazing. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to attend the photography day for the accessories due to my university class schedule, but at least I had seen the great pieces.The following internship day was my final photography day, focusing on the remaining garment pieces that had not been photographed yet. And my last day of my internship also went well. I still cannot believe that my last day was highlighted by a stunning piece hanging on the rail, and I got a chance to see and take a picture of the cape that Freddie Mercury had worn.I am really happy and enjoyed this internship. I will never forget this opportunity....

Reflections on being a project intern - Soha

I had an amazing experience at Zandra Rhodes' studio as an intern, working on a Colourful Heritage project. I've learned how to iron, mend and steam vintage garments carefully, and dress them on mannequins without causing any damage. This taught me that time can make things fragile and this is why they are so valuable. Also, I've met many experts at the Studio each time and learned so many things from them.Meeting Zandra Rhodes was so inspiring to me. Her passion for fashion was clear as she dedicated her life to her work and fashion, and working with her and the team was truly unforgettable. During this project, I realized how creativity and teamwork can achieve great things.I also met 3 other students from different majors at UCA which was so interesting. We've learned a lot from each other and made great connections. Also, good communication helped us to support each other during this project.This internship showed me how time can add history and meaning to each garment or piece. Working at Zandra Rhodes' Studio was a great opportunity during my academic journey and ti was full of new lessons, inspiration, and new friendships. I feel so lucky that I was part of this project....

Reflections on being a project intern - Soha

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