Jessica McFaul - BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion with Marketing
What led to you studying your chosen course?
Having been involved in the industry in various capacities from a young age, I knew my studies & career would lie within the realm of fashion. I had interned at fashion shows during my early teens, eventually progressing to styling shoots by age fifteen. Thus, I knew I needed to study a course that offered a practical as well as academic element. The Fashion Promotion with Marketing course ticked every box for me - from styling workshops to exploring and analysing fashion editorials.
Why did you choose LSBU?
I chose LSBU for a myriad of reasons. The lecturers are fantastic individuals with extensive industry experience - something that proved to be invaluable when I required guidance or advice. The facilities are great too, with the photography studios mimicking the editorial sets I would later go on to work with outside of university. The central London location is perfect for immersing yourself in the fashion industry and was a definite draw too. However, it was the actual array and depth of the modules taught that really interested me. Every base was covered, and I can definitively say it proved to be the most valuable aspect of turning me into an industry-ready graduate.
What is the highlight of your career so far? Has there been a particular project or achievement that you would like to tell us about?
I am immensely proud of what I have achieved with the help of LSBU. During my time there, I worked at Dazed magazine as a fashion assistant. Under Ib Kamara’s reign as Editor-in-Chief, I worked on cover stories including those of Harry Styles, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Since graduating, I have achieved my dream graduate role as a stylist with Burberry. This has seen me based in their HQ, assisting styling on their campaigns & fashion shows produced under the new CD, Daniel Lee.
How do you think LSBU prepared you for your career?
LSBU did a great job of presenting a realistic image of the fashion industry. As well as promoting academic excellence, the lecturers (alongside guest speakers) helped to break down any preconceived romanticism of what working in fashion looks like. By the time I graduated, I had a well-rounded view of what to expect upon entering the job market.
What advice would you give others entering into your profession or line of work?
Treat everyone with equal kindness, no task is beneath you & never be late. Also, always have a manicure. I remember a guest speaker telling us of how upon meeting Karl Lagerfeld, Karl mentioned how perfect our speaker’s nails were. No detail goes unnoticed - this really stuck with me.
What projects do you have in the pipeline?
Amongst other things, I’m currently working towards Arthur Boyd’s AW24 show. He’ll be showing during London Fashion Week in February and I’m proud to say I’ve been working with him since his brand's inception.
What is your best memory of studying at LSBU?
My fondest memory is of a research trip to the V&A with our lecturers, Tony Charalambous & Ronke Fashola. It was a beautiful exhibition of Tim Walker’s works - he is an endless source of inspiration. This was during LFW in 2020 and I ran off to attend some shows immediately afterwards. Thankfully, Tony & Ronke were incredibly supportive of this.