The BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design Student of the Year Award is awarded is to the student who stands out amongst a field of undergraduates who have shown a high degree of commitment and professionalism throughout their studies. This year the award went to Emily Collighan.

Staff said “the winning student has been a considerable journey, not only overcoming personal challenges but remaining continually polite, enthusiastic and professional throughout her studies. Her work is of an excellent standard, embracing all the skills that she has learnt over the 3 years. She has also been thoroughly involved in fundraising and organising the degree show. We would like to wish her every success in the future.”

Emily Collighan, from Middlesbrough, studied BA (hons) Costume Interpretation with Design after completing her A-levels and Foundation Diploma at our Middlesbrough Campus. Read on to find out more about Emily practice, award win and next steps!

Why did you choose to study your degree at The Northern School of Art?

My Foundation year really helped me decide what degree I wanted to study. As I had already studied with the institute I knew the quality of the courses are to a high standard and the support received from tutors is outstanding. My lecturer in my foundation year, Lynne Carverhill, really helped me develop my early work and recommended the costume course at Hartlepool, after visiting the 2019 Degree show I had my heart set out on this course.

How did you find your degree programme?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying Costume Interpretation with Design over the past three years. I have learnt skills that have allowed me to grow within my practise, such as tailoring, millinery, creating my own patterns and also using all of the industry grade equipment too. This would not have been possible without the support of my amazing tutors: Ian, Jane, Sally and Jess, who have always encouraged me to think outside the box and explore not only my designs but my practical work too. I especially want to express my gratitude to our technician, Fran, who from day one has been my biggest supporter and without her knowledge and expertise I wouldn’t have the skillset I do.

Tell us about your FMP!

For my Final Major Project I created costumes for the characters King Fergus and Queen Elinor from Disney’s Brave, for a dramatic live action film. I really wanted to explore elements of fantasy within my work, whilst remaining somewhat historically accurate. Every aspect of both costumes has been meticulously planned, from silhouettes, fabrics, textures and the embellishment too. Taking inspiration from the dark fantasy themes of Disney’s 2014 Maleficent, I wanted to create elaborate costumes that brought my characters to life and helped tell their story.

Within my Final Major Project I really pushed my skills, one of which being the leather work for King Fegrus’ costume. I sourced my leather locally from Leprevo Leather in Newcastle, where the staff were extremely supportive and passionate about my project. Exceeding my own expectations, as leather work was something I had never done before, the armour for King Fergus’ costume is made up of over 80 different panels and scales all of which were hand carved, wet moulded and dyed. However, the extra attention to the small details of my leather work really brought my character to life and was worth the 100+ hours of hammering. For Queen Elinor’s costume I created a fully quilted corset and bolero with foiling, embroidery and beading details. I really loved making the bolero specifically, in which the sleeves alone were made up of 40 different panels to create a defined silhouette whilst remaining very feminine to perfectly reflect the characters personality.

How did it feel to win BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design Student of the Year Award!

When my tutors announced I had won the ‘Costume Student of the Year Award’ I was overjoyed. I have faced many personal struggles within my final year of studies and with the support of my tutors and family, I was able to stay motivated and give it my all. I just couldn’t wait to call my parents and share the news with them!

Tell us about a favourite memory at the school!

I can’t just pick one favourite memory of my time studying at The Northern School of Art, I am so thankful for the friends I have made over the past three years and I have had an amazing group of very talented people surrounding me. I also feel like the relationship with my tutors really made my experience, I could completely be myself with them with no judgement, only encouragement, and whether I was laughing or crying they were always there for me.

Tell us about your next steps!

Post-graduation I will be relocating to the Bristol Area, where I will continue my search for employment within the field I want to start my career in. I would love to work for film and television, as I have a particular passion for historical garments, and adore all the small details that come to life on the big screen.

What’s your favourite thing about Hartlepool?

I lived in Hartlepool during my studies, I really love the architecture within Hartlepool. Despite being quite small, we are surrounded by beautiful buildings that hold so much history, and being so close to the coast is great for the impulsive trips to the beach.

Do you have any advice for future students?

My only advice for future students who want to study Costume Interpretation with Design is be 100% yourself and explore all the crazy ideas you have, because it might be your best one yet!

Stay up to date with Emilys work but following her on Instagram: @emily.collighan.costume

If you are interested in studying costume at degree level our BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree offers a dynamic course with excellent connections and opportunities for students. Graduates and Alumni have finished their degree’s to do fantastic things working in productions such as Peaky Blinders, Star Wars, Killing Eve, Doctor Who, Downton Abbey and more. Check out our degree programme page for more information.