Studio Blog: October 2019

Monday, 28 October 2019

The story of an intern || Nicole Morrison

Where have you been studying currently and where are you planning to head off to next?

I am currently studying Textiles, French and English Language for A-Level at Tarporley Sixth Form College and I am hoping to study Fashion Buying and Merchandising at university next year!

How did you come across Rianna's brand and what made you reach out for experience? I came across Rianna’s brand on Instagram. Firstly, from a personal perspective I was in love with the prints, colours and the general style of Rianna’s work. Her website and Instagram page is very aesthetically pleasing which really helps draw your eye to her products and the entire brand itself. Secondly, as a part of my A-level coursework I have been looking into the freedom of speech which led me into using and researching PVC and I of course came across the clear PVC shopper tote bag. I was curious to ask Rianna questions concerning manufacturing and sourcing of fabric.

After meeting Rianna and talking through my coursework and plans for university, I was very excited when she offered me this internship. I felt I didn’t have enough experience concerning styling and organisation (such as organising a lookbook shoot) therefore I was keen to see what I could come up with for her beautiful new Autumn/Winter collection.

Where did you start while creating this lookbook and what did it involve?

Whilst the collection highlights a very girly and pastel colour vibe, I had to keep in mind this was the AW19 collection and especially with the run up to Christmas it was essential to keep in mind what the target market might want to see. I feel every girl can relate to wanting to go to those amazing restaurants and cafés you see on Instagram so I felt one of these would be the perfect location- this is where Liverpool hotspot ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ came to mind. After finalising the location, this is when I began the styling mood boards, curating the perfect feel for the day. I wanted a causal and chilled tone to the edits so everyone could really relate but also a slight sparkly and girly feel, because why not?!

What were the highlights on the photoshoot day itself?

Getting to the location was so exciting! To see the beautiful ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ coffee shop in real life instead of just on Instagram. And of course choosing some delicious treats off of the AMAZING menu to use as ‘props’ which we then eventually all shared. The pancakes were a particular hit with the team! The photoshoot was busy and the day went so quickly, from moving inside the location to the outdoor street seating- changing outfits, rotating products in order to ensure we got the perfect shot of every accessory in the collection. We constantly took pictures yet the day was so enjoyable and there were many great moments. I am still in awe of Rianna’s products and constantly get questions and compliments on my emerald green and leopard print phone case.

You know your bag’s a winner when bloggers at London Fashion Week want to know where it’s from! I wore the new pearl embellished bag from the AW19-20 collection we shot, once I saw it . . . I had to have it!

What other work experience have you had?

I am constantly looking for opportunities to expand my experience in this industry. I have had experience at Scoop InternationalFashion Show (Buying Show SS20) alongside my part time Saturday job at Bottega Tarporley and also worked for Missguided and Very.

After visiting Scoop as a buyer with Bottega, I decided it would be beneficial for me to volunteer at one of the 3 day buying shows. I volunteered at the SS20 buying show located at the Saachi Gallery. Seeing the behind the scenes from setting up, to dealing and working with the independent designers along with accommodating the buying teams was a fantastic experience. I learnt a lot from general conversation with buyers on the topic of what they look for, for their own boutique and what has worked for them throughout previous seasons. It was a fantastic opportunity to network and take advice from experienced professionals.

Where will you be in 5 years time?!

Hopefully, in five year’s time- I will have graduated from university and will be off on my next adventure. Whether this is a graduate buying job or who knows maybe something else! My experience with Rianna has been absolutely fabulous and I enjoyed and learnt so much from it.