GFW alumni, Kate Clark, Daniel Rynne, Ruth Williams and Claire Tagg joined Hilary Alexander OBE to discuss their journey and what they’ve learnt since graduating in the GFW Live! Talk Space today. As four fashion industry members working at established companies they took it in turn to share where their lives have taken them, since graduation.
Kate Clark currently works at Chanel in Paris and had many story to tell about her experiences and the iconic Karl Lagerfeld - including the time they shared a lift during her first days at Chanel. Kate spoke about the elusive behind the scenes at the prestigious brand. Ideas are developed after Karl Lagerfeld has a dream, after being written on a piece of paper in a sleepy state, then translated to the team the next day.
Daniel Rynne works at Debenhams, where he has designed for the Jasper Conrad collection, and has developed his own range, available in September. Within his position he has freedom to share his ideas and contribute to the design.
Ruth Williams holds a position at French Connection as a Knitwear Assistant. After winning the Visionary Knitwear Award at GFW17, her passion for knitwear has guided her to the title. Her position includes a lot of researching, and exploring the knitwear industry and there’s a lot of creativity that goes into it.
Claire Tagg began working at M&S after graduating, alongside creating her own brand. She shares how she’s gone into business with her sister who studied fashion promotion. Claire expressed the difficulty that graduates face leaving university because you are suddenly in a position where it isn’t other people’s jobs to support you and you have to do everything and make all decisions on your own.
Words by Rosie Smith
Photography by Stefan Jakubowski