Thursday 8 April 2010

London College of Fashion

With A levels creeping up on the horizon, it doesn't leave much time for some things I love - such as writing on here. But lots has happened. Firstly, (and to me most importantly) my interview at the London College of Fashion. Ever since I went on the open day 2 years ago, I knew it was the place for me. When the course director described what the course entailed, I fell in love. It seemed perfect, a course that would give me all the practical skills to become the best possible journalist, as well as learning about social and historical aspects of fashion that I find fascinating. So for the past two years everything I have done has been geared with LCF in mind - doing things that would gain me as much experience as possible and hopefully set me apart from the other 800 applicants (there are 34 places on the fashion journalism course I applied for).

When I received an email inviting me to an 'Assessment Day' I was shaking for the whole day. The assessment day consists of a written test, a 2 hour wait, and then those applicants that perform well in the test are invited to an interview later in the day. Pretty gruelling was my impression, therefore it was with an almost overwhelming amount of nerves that I headed up to London with my mum. We stayed in London the night before; I had to be at Shepered's Bush at 9:20 the next morning and didn't want to risk the nightmare of train delays.

In the morning I was more quiet than my usual self. I felt a hint more confident after having dressed in my favourite outfit: a black crochet dress from Zara, red heels and a gorgeous red cropped jacket I bought from my favourite shop, Anthropologie, in New York. However, even a confidence boosting outfit couldn't fully improve my mood. At breakfast I could just about manage a bowl of cereal; my stomach churned with anxious nerves. After walking to the Lime Grove site (where the course would mainly take place) I arrived in a room filled with people. Some clutched portfolios, others towered in heels, some had their nervous parents waiting with them. Throughout the whole day, it was the waiting that was the worst.

After a nervous while the fashion journalism applicants were called up to the room where the test would take place. There were about 5o of us. As we all sat down and before the test began, the course director gave a little talk. She said that the course was extremely heavily oversubscribed (I had already worked out that I would have to beat about 23 other people to get a place) and therefore she wanted to make sure it was the right course for us. Some people think it is a styling course, but it is not. It is writing, writing, writing, writing. I felt a renewed rush of determination. I was in the right room, this is what I want.

The test took an hour, and was one of the quickest hours of my life. My pen did not leave the page once. We were presented with a list of interesting and challenging fashion issues which we then had to write a small article about, giving our opinions. Scanning down the list I actually found it strangely exciting that I couldn't have answered all of the questions. If I got through, I would be studying at a place where I would learn about these things that I find so interesting. In the end I chose a question about the role of the politician's wife in the upcoming election, as it is something I have thought a lot about and find a topical and thought provoking question. (The questions were not all about clothes, showing how fashion is not just about frocks, but the society in which we live). After writing my answer to this question I had to write a short description of my favourite fashion website, and why I like it so much. I wrote about style.com, for the catwalk reports that can transport me from my quiet town to the runway, filling me with excitement and determination to one day be sitting there myself, scribbling notes about the clothes that flow onto the catwalk.

Once the test was over, we all had to leave, to return in 2 hours time. With Westfield's just around the corner, my mum and I headed there to waste some time. I was not in a shopping mood. I kept looking at my watch, and at one point became overcome with dizziness. I just wanted to get back and know if I had got through. Eventually, finally, the time passed and I was back in the room where I had taken the test, awaiting the verdict on my future. I got chatting to the two others on my table, both of whom seemed (nearly) as nervous as me. We had been told to get back for 1:15. 1:15 came and went, so did 1:30, 1:45... the course directors and lecturers came back in. They told us that 21 would go through to the interview stage, that they were sorry they couldn't take more and that there were some really talented people in the room.

Then came the most hideous few minutes of my life, as they read out the names of the people going through. It sounds like X factor I know, and it was in fact just like that. As the names were called out I didn't even take them in I was so focused on listening out for mine. Every 'L' name and I imagined it being mine, yet name after name came and it didn't come up. It suddenly dawned on me: I haven't got through. I have worked this hard, tried my absolute best, but in the end it wasn't enough. The tears started coming.

My name was the second to last to be read out.

For a while I just sat where I was, emotionally exhausted. A few deep breaths however, and it was back downstairs to wait for my interview at 3. If the rest of the day had been excruciatingly painful, the interview was as good as the day had been bad. I was incredibly nervous, but for some reason as soon as I walked into the room my nerves disappeared and I felt strangely at ease. I like to talk, so put me in a situation where I have to talk for my place and I feel much more in my comfort zone than in an examination hall. My interview was with the course director, the woman who I had found so inspiring at the open day, and one of the reasons I so wanted to study here. I was asked 6 generic questions, things like what I thought I could bring to the course, what I did in my spare time, which fashion writers, designers etc I found inspiring and why I wanted to study there. As I was talking about the book and the work experience I had done at Cosmo and the Evening Standard, about the fashion show I organised at my school and how I was learning French and Italian to help me as a fashion journalist, I felt for the first time in my life, proud of what I had done. I had 15 minutes to prove I was right for the course, and finally believing myself that I deserved a place helped me, I think, to say exactly what I had wanted to. In the end the interview was over in 8 minutes. I nearly stumbled down the stairs I was so light headed. I hadn't eaten all day I had been so nervous and neither had my mum (she said she was too nervous too) so we bought a picnic to eat on the train. After I had filled my stomach I slept all of the way home. It had been the most exhausting day of my life.

Two days later I got an email saying I had a conditional place at the London College of Fashion. I can't actually describe how happy I was, and how happy I still am. Even now it doesn't feel quite real. In September I will be starting at the London College of Fashion, I have actually got everything I wanted. I need to get 3 Cs to get in, but I worked out the other day that based on my AS results and a new qualification I gained for the fashion show I organised (and Extended Project Qualification) I actually have enough UCAS points not to sit my summer exams. Of course, that is not what I am going to do and I am still working hard (I don't really know how not to, and besides, I want to do well for myself not just to get in to university) but there is an unbelievable relief.

Right now, the sun is shining and I am sat on my bed reading 'Flair' a beautiful Italian magazine my Italian teacher bought me, and making myself a little Italian fashion dictionary. (I do the same for French, reading French Vogue and writing down all the fashion words I learn) I have decided that one day I am going to be a trilingual fashion journalist. I love French and Italian so much, and just think it would be so useful as a fashion journalist travelling to Paris and Milan and interviewing designers, to be fluent in the languages. I know it is a pretty big aim and will take a while, but I don't mind. Before my LCF interview I was overcome by self doubt; now I have the place I so desperately wanted I feel like anything is possible. If I want to be the editor of Vogue there is absolutely nothing to stop me. Of course it would be difficult to say the least, but that doesn't matter. I like a challenge. :)

All in all, I feel extremely grateful, happy and excited.

Libby

37 comments:

  1. What a riveting and wonderful story, Libby! Congratulations on achieving your goal of attending this school. I have missed your posts...after the romantic Valentine's Day photos from Paris. Best wishes ~ Garci

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  2. thank you! And I have missed writing on here too so am going to try and do it much more frequently :)

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  3. WOW this post is incredibly inspiring! I am so so passionate to apply for the fashion journalism course next year (I am doing AS's at the moment) if there is any other tips or information please do give! My god I want to go soooo much! well done! x

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  4. thank you Robert! and just from what you've said I think you should be fine getting in - the 'I want to go soooo much' is exactly how I felt and I think that comes across in an interview. Looking at your blog as well it seems you've got what they'd be looking for - make sure to put that in your personal statement. In terms of tips, I think work experience work experience work experience is the main thing - at least that's the impression I got at the open day I went to and the interview. have you had any work experience? if not I'd suggest just sending out letters literally EVERWHERE - that's what I did and eventually got some at Cosmo and the Evening Standard. Also any other experience you can get - for example does your school / college offer the new EPQ - I did one for a fashion show I organised and think things like that are good for getting some more experience on the personal statement.
    Also a good thing, LCF run short courses that are really good - I went on a styling one and one just about the fashion industry and they were really useful - so I'd recommend those.
    Also for the written test lots of the questions were more about current affairs and social issues than straight forward fashion so it's good to keep up to date with the news as well.
    Sorry that was a bit of an essay but I hope it helped. Really good luck as I know what it feels like to really want to get in - still can't quite believe I actually have.
    Any more questions or anything let me know :)
    x

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  5. ahh thankyou!
    Yes I've been really keen on trying get things for my personal statement. I've done work ex at kerrang magazine and super super magazine and am doing a bit of work with small smaller magazines like contributing etc. I actually got to the final of last years young blogger of the year competition which I will have to slot in there. I am indeed doing the EPQ and I'm planning on creating my own little fashion magazine for it which I am really excited about (need to get cracking on it mind) I'm trying to sort out some more experience for the summer actually, i've already got some at disorder and I'm going back to Super super, in the process of trying to get a placement at wonderland. It must have been so surreal when you got in, I cant even imagine! I live in such a small village in the north west so London is like heaven for me, I try and get there as much as possible, whereabouts are you from? bet you are so excited about the London life.
    x

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  6. wow that all sounds really impressive - I shouldn't worry at all it sounds like they'd be mad not to accept you. I'm from a small town in the south west so I know exactly what you mean about London - I'm sick of fields and can't wait to live there!
    Keep in touch, I'd like to here how you get on with it all. Good luck although it sounds like you don't need it! x

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  7. bloody hell that sounds intense! im desperate to get into fashion management at LCF next year! at first your story utterely scared me but now its fuelled my motivation even more. Im finding it so hard to get work expierence ive only got Paul Smith so far, did you have to keep on being really persistant to get yours? i think each year its just getting tougher and tougher as the number of applications increase. Robert im a huge fan of supersuper and would love to get work experience there, i know this is probably a long shot seeing as im a stranger on the internet but do you know who to contact? anyways huge congrats libby it sounds like you completely deserve it :) x

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  8. Thank you, and I'm glad you've been inspired! :) I literally wrote to about 50 places and got 2 placements out of it, so I would say that you just have to be persistent and not let knocks get in your way. I had one horrible day when I phoned up all the magazines I'd written to seeing if they'd received my letter and could give me any work experience, and it was pretty crushing being told no time and time again, but then I think if you really want it and keep at it you get something in the end. I'm going to start the whole process again soon to try and get some more work experience for next summer! And that's really good you've already got work experience at Paul Smith - that will look really impressive I'm sure! really good luck for getting some more and for the fashion management course :)
    xx

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  9. that was really inspiring for me too, though I want to apply for Fashion Management at LCF and not journalism (in 2 years, now I'm 16). I'm not even from the UK, I'm from Hungary, which makes it more difficult. But I'm working hard to get my advanced language exam, this summer I worked at the PR office of Louis Vuitton and I just really want to get in there. I also have really good grades. This time I can only hope that my passion and these things will be enough, but as you wrote, it is a really competitive process. Congratulations and I'm looking forward to reading about your course and the school in september:) Rozi

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  10. Love it! You have generally inspired me even more to get a place next year on the BA fashion journalism course. Yet, I think I'm even more nervous now and just doubting myself.
    Thank you for the lovely blog xxxx

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  11. Thank you! Don't doubt yourself - I do it all the time too but at the end of the day you have just as much chance of getting on the course as anyone and there's no reason why you shouldn't. That's what I tried to tell myself. Good luck :) xx

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  12. OH MY ... There is Such Serious demand for Fashion Journalism! It is Ofcourse the best job in the World but i Never would have thought 800 Applicants.! This piece has been Such a help in giving a realistic view on how hard the process is. I have applied and can only have my fingers crossed. Definatley going to start hunting for work experience,asap. Thanks xx

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  13. Hey ya, I just stumbled upon your blog searching google for things on London College of Fashion. Im just about to apply to do my MA there in Fashion Journalism. How is your course going now? Is it everything you thought it would be? Do you have any tips for those applying for the course? xxxx

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  14. Hi there! Good luck with your application, I recently met someone on the MA fashion journalism course and she is really enjoying it. My course is going really well thank you - quite intense but that's what I'm here for! Tips wise I would just suggest mentioning any past experience / work experience as that seems to be a big thing they look for. Really good luck! :) xx

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  15. Hej Libby! Just found your cute blog! And this entry describes every emotion I felt during the assesment day! So exciting to read someone elses thoughts on it :) oh well back to studies for me! see you in class! xoxo Nina

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  16. Im only thirteen right now but I really want to apply for fashion journalism in LCF.
    Any idea what qualifications you need to get in to fashion journalism?
    whats the course called for the writting fshion jrnalism.
    i need a good start so i have 5 years to get the best possible chance lol
    pleasee help i really want to become a fashion jounalist and id bee soo dissapointed if i get rejected
    looking at the story made me even more nervous.
    love the story btw :)

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  17. Hi there, that's great that you are so driven and sure of what you want to do already!

    For the fashion journalism course I am on they look for A levels, preferably in English, and perhaps arts or humanities. The course name is: BA (hons) Fashion Journalism (Print and Broadcast)

    I would really recommend it: it is really hard work but you get a really practical understanding of journalism and I am loving it. I think what they are really looking for from applicants is work experience so try to do as much as you can: if you can't get any at a magazine just yet they also look really highly on any work people do at local papers or school magazines - so basically I'd say just get writing as much as you can!

    Hope that helps and good luck!

    Libby x

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  18. Hey Libby
    WOW your blog has really inspired me :)My name is Michaela and I come from Zimbabwe Africa, I am absolutely passionate about fashion and I am desperate to come to LCF next year in september! I am looking into studying a BA fashion public relations or BA (hons) Fashion Journalism :) I have started the application process on UCAS, when would you say that I should send it off?

    Well done on getting into LCF, by the looks of your blog it look like you really deserve to be there and are going to do great things (well you already have-your book ) :) you must be so glad to be at LCF and don't have to worry about the stress of getting in, like the rest of us hopefuls haha :)

    Please, please give me any details or tips you think may be useful...you have no idea how badly I want to get in! :)

    Thanks a million Xx
    Michaela

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  19. Hey Libby
    WOW your blog has really inspired me :)My name is Michaela and I come from Zimbabwe Africa, I am absolutely passionate about fashion and I am desperate to come to LCF next year in september! I am looking into studying a BA fashion public relations or BA (hons) Fashion Journalism :) I have started the application process on UCAS, when would you say that I should send it off?

    Well done on getting into LCF, by the looks of your blog it look like you really deserve to be there and are going to do great things (well you already have-your book ) :) you must be so glad to be at LCF and don't have to worry about the stress of getting in, like the rest of us hopefuls haha :)

    Please, please give me any details or tips you think may be useful...you have no idea how badly I want to get in! :)

    Thanks a million Xx
    Michaela

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  20. Hi Michaela,

    So glad the post inspired you and that's so great that you're really determined. I would recommend sending your UCAS application off as early as possible as towards the end they receive so many that they can't dedicate as much time to reading each one.

    In terms of tips I'd just say to try and write as much as possible and try and get as much work experience as possible - even at local papers as they look really highly on that too.

    Really good luck and I'm sure your passion will pay off, but after my first year I would also say not to despair if you don't get in - I do feel really lucky to have been here but through work experience I have done I have met so many amazing people who have got in to the industry through so many different routes. I felt exactly the same way as you when I applied and almost like it was LCF or nothing but now I'd say that if you really want it and stick with it you should succeed no matter what path you go down. :)

    Hope that helps and good luck with everything,

    Libby x

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  21. Thank you Libby, that helped a lot :)
    I'm sure we will be seeing big things from you in the future!

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  22. thats one hell of a well written blog..i'm truly inspired..i want to apply to london college of fashion too..but its sort of a career change for me..i dont know how hard its gonna be.

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  23. Thank you and glad you're feeling inspired! What is the career change? And don't worry - there are people from all walks of life on my course and at LCF so coming from a different interest point / career isn't necessarily a bad thing. :)

    Libby

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  24. Libby, Thank you. This post is amazingly helpful! If its possible, I would like to know if there's a considerable number of foreign students in your class as I'm Brazilian and I'm applying for 2012.
    My English is pretty good, as I've been living in London since I was 17 (I'm 19 now), but it would be nice to know if I have a shot since English is not my first language.

    ps: You should move on with your French and Italian lessons, I already speak Portuguese, English, Spanish and French but I just can't get enough of it. Wish you all the best, Maya.

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  25. Hi Maya,

    Don't worry at all - I'd say that on my course there are about 50% international students so that wouldn't be a problem in the slightest. Good luck!

    And thank you, I plan to do more with my languages this term :)

    Libby x

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  26. Hey Libby.. Tks for the quick reply!

    Actually I was thinking about what I've read here, and a big question mark popped out of my head.. My work experience its pretty much a volunteer job as a elementary school History teacher in a poor area in Sao Paulo.
    Do you think that's something I should be concerned about?

    How did you get to be part of something on a influential magazine?? Did you send them an email or did you drop your CV somewhere?

    Sorry, I don't want to be annoying.. But I'm really looking forward to meet you on LCF hallways (: xx

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  27. Hi Maya,

    I would turn your work experience to your advantage and show what you learnt from it, and use it to demonstrate that there is more to you than just fashion - I think they like students who have wider interests and don't live up to some of the stereotypes about fashion.

    It would be useful too to get some journalism work experience though. Do you have a local newspaper or magazine you could work for? They look highly on that as well as obviously work at national places.

    To get my work experience I sent them a copy of my book Love Pink and a letter - I think post is sometimes better as journalists do receive tons of emails - but check on the website first because sometimes they do say they only accept applications by email to a specific address. If I were you, to make myself stand out I would send them an example of my writing. The work experience in Sao Paulo sounds really interesting so could you write an article about that as well as perhaps something fashion specific?

    Hope that is helpful and don't worry at all - you're not annoying, I like to help if possible. :) Best of luck

    Libby x

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  28. Hello! I googled 'LCF fashion management interview' and came across your post. I read your entire post and I'm so happy for you! You were so prepared and so determined to become a fashion journalist. I'm sure you'll get a career that you want in the future and do great in university. I'm so impressed that you learned both French and Italian! It will definitely help you in the future!
    I'm from hong kong and I'm applying for Fashion Management 2012 in LCF. My interview is in mid December and I'm soooooo nervous :'( I really want to get into LCF because the course just seems so perfect and interesting! I have no idea how the interview is going to be like.
    Congrats, I wish you all the best in LCF and I'm sure you'll reach your goals. You absolutely deserve a spot at LCF. :)

    - Germaine (hong kong)

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  29. Tks Libby for all the help! I end up deciding to apply for Access HE Fashion Communication. It's also cheaper for 19 yo people like me.
    I'm in France at the moment, in the middle of a paid enterprise. I will be back in July, and hopefully we will be University mates (Well, I'm not too worried now that I'm not applying for Fashion Journalism).

    Bisous!
    Maya.

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  30. Wow! this is so inspirational! I have recently applied to LCF to study fashion journalism this september at lime grove and I have my heart set on it. after i attended the open day i've been hooked! The gruelling selection process you wrote about scared me a little but i fell im more prepared now. I'm so determined to get in but I'm so scared they wont even give me a chance. I've also organised a fashion show at my collee just like you did and it went so well! I also helped out at a local fashion show with some professional fashion designers and i've also got some work exp planned in late january at the local newspaper but i feel that its not enough compared to what you have done to get in :( and I'm so impressed that you got some work exp with cosmo! some guidence or help or anything pointing me in the right direction would be fantastic. You're definatley the new future editor of vogue in my eyes!
    hope to hear from you soon
    xxxxxx

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    1. Hi Abigail,

      The fashion show you organised sounds great, as does the work experience you have planned, so try not to worry too much - it sounds like you have already done enough to stand out in the application process. Thanks for your kind words about Cosmo etc, but try not to compare yourself too much to other people - that's what I try to do anyway, this is such a competitive industry that I think you just have to keep doing the things you're doing and what you enjoy and I'm sure great things will happen for you if you are determined and want it enough. Also, when you get to LCF there are lots of opportunities to do more work experience and everyone here has done really varied levels of work experience etc, so I wouldn't worry!

      When do you hear if you have an interview? Best of luck and most of all, try to enjoy it!!

      Thanks again for your comment,

      Libby xx

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  31. Hi! I stumbled across this post whilst researching lcf a little bit more as I've applied there.
    I LOVED THIS POST!

    I was nervous for you as I read the bit about thinking your name hadn't been read out! Congratulations xxxxxxxx

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  32. I should be finding out any day now so pretty nerve racking! thank you for the advice too :) I have an interview with UCA on tuesday which ive been asked to assemble a portfolio, so this will be great to prepare me for LCF's interview.
    thanks again xx

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  33. Hi Libby!

    I came across your highly inspiring post while I was searching for something more on LCF Fashion Journalism.
    The last two years I've gained valuable work experience while writing for online fashion magazines & planning to gain even more until I send my application next year.
    Even though I'm as determined as it gets to win my spot, there are times doubt comes creeping, of course.

    Your story came to confirm & enhance my belief that the desire & determination I have for a place at LCF will get through. Your tips made all the difference for me.

    I wish only the best for your future & maybe one day our paths will cross, who knows!

    Ada

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  34. Hi Libby,
    I am so inspired by your post, I am currently writing my personal statement. My heart is set on going to LCF and i'd love to have a chat with you one time about the whole process. It's difficult to get work experience where I live as there is only one newspaper who has declined me already. I have, however, organised a fashion show on myself at sixth form as I thought it would look good on my statement. It would be great if you could contact me just to answer a few quick questions, my email address is: Bniebkr@gmail.com
    Bonnie.

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  35. Hi Libby,
    Just googling for LCF interview in fashion journalism and it bring me to your blog! Since im going to have an interview this months and I am quite nervous but after reading your blog make me feel better with it though and I just want to say thank you to share about tips and information about the interview! Your blog is awesome definitely a role model to me to follow and i wish my writing skills can be as good as yours! Really enjoy reading your blog: )

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  36. Like some of the others who have commented on here, I came across your blog while searching for anything and everything on LCF. This post has inspired me so much that I went and started my own blog and sent an application to Cosmo for work experience. I'm hoping and wishing so hard that i'll get an interview and get accepted into the college too as its what I've always wanted to do.

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