How the Fashion Foundation Programme Prepared me for the BA in Fashion Communication

Header Image: Creative Direction, Photography & Styling by Ella Cranfield

Agency: NXT Management/Model: Zara Bicha

The Vogue Fashion Foundation Programme

The Vogue Fashion Foundation programme is a three-term course designed to build a solid foundation in fashion communication. Ella used her time on the course to develop her photographic skills, leading her to create a content agency, Set Free, through which promotes independent brands. She moved from modelling to photography, inspired by the professionals she observed.

“I did some modelling a few years ago because I knew I wanted to be in fashion, but when I saw the photographer and stylist at work, bringing their ideas to life, I realised I wanted to be behind the camera rather than in front of it,” says Ella. “I was Googling fashion courses and came across the College and straight away I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I had fallen in love with photography and wanted to do something to realise my full potential as an artist.”

Final Foundation Project: A Creative Milestone

Her final project for the Vogue Fashion Foundation was a lookbook for Portuguese clothing brand Marca Elise, featuring her photographs alongside the poem “You Are Her” by Cara Alwill Leyba. This project emphasised themes of freedom, acceptance, and vulnerability in the female form.

“I wanted my pictures to be about freedom, acceptance, and the power of vulnerability in the female form,” Ella explains. “Marca Elise designs are elegant silhouettes of vintage fashion, and that fitted into my narrative, and that of the poem, perfectly. My key message is for women to be authentically themselves—something that is hard because of the façade we all project of ourselves on social media. Just let your potential shine through.”

Photography by Ella Cranfield
Credits: Brand: Marca Elise / Model: Gia Jones

Transitioning to the BA Programme

Ella found the foundation programme crucial for her BA degree success. “During the foundation programme, I began to identify and develop my visual identity through independent work. The constructive feedback and one-on-one tutorials with teachers made me feel supported and encouraged. The Vogue Fashion Foundation gave me a significant head start for my BA studies.”

Ella emphasises that her experience in both the foundation programme and the BA undergraduate programme has equipped her with essential skills for building and defining brand identities, including her own. She has developed proficiency in image-making, marketing strategies, and digital design, allowing her to bring her creative visions to life.

“I am grateful for the creative freedom I have been given at the College, along with opportunities to collaborate and network with industry professionals. This has helped me with my confidence and enabled me to develop a portfolio that reflects my own visual identity,” she says.

Choosing the BA Degree: A Natural Next Step

The Vogue Foundation programme broadened Ella’s perspectives of the fashion industry and its various roles. “While I was initially certain that photography was my passion and future career path, the programme motivated me to continue learning and experimenting. The foundation programme provided a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry, exposing me to different facets of fashion communication. It equipped me with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that made the transition to the BA programme seamless. The curriculum’s structure, combining both creative and business aspects of fashion, aligned perfectly with the BA degree programme’s advanced studies, making it a natural next step.

“The College created a supportive community that contributed to my growth, making the decision to pursue a BA degree feel like a clear and natural progression. The foundation programme laid the groundwork, and the BA degree built on that, offering deeper insights and more specialised skills.”

Advice for Prospective Students

For those considering the Vogue Vogue foundation programme, Ella advises making the most of the opportunity: “The Vogue Fashion Foundation programme is a unique experience that can be valuable, but it’s important to understand that the experience is what you make of it. You’ll need to invest time and effort into each module and have self-discipline as there is a lot of individual study involved. This is your chance to focus on yourself and your ideas. Make the most of it, and you’ll see how rewarding it can be!”

A Launchpad for Fashion Careers

Ella Cranfield’s journey from the Vogue Fashion Foundation Programme to the BA (Hons) in Fashion Communication & Industry Practice degree showcases the supportive learning environment at the College. Her story highlights the importance of foundation programmes in providing a strong start for further studies and meaningful careers in the fashion industry.

Ready to begin your fashion career? Explore our Vogue Fashion Foundation programme and embark on a journey toward discovery and success.

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