Senior Lecturer Caroline Foster heads up the The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Fashion degree course. Joining the team with over 16 years’ experience of working with major fashion labels in the US, Caroline will be using her in-depth knowledge and industry insight to support students as they build the skills needed to succeed in this hugely competitive field.

Caroline’s skills lie in both design and fashion communication and she is leading the course’s fashion marketing and communication modules. These are designed to develop the ability of students to get inside the mind of their customer, developing a thoughtful approach to design and building the essential skills that align with the needs of today’s fashion industry, preparing students as multi-skilled fashion professionals.

We caught up with Caroline to find out more.

• Where are you joining the School from? 

I’ve recently relocated back to the UK after spending 16 years in the US working for major fashion brands.

• Tell us about any projects you have you worked on or any previous industry or other experiences that will influence your teaching 

I have designed for Abercrombie & Fitch at their Gilly Hicks brand and led teams of designers at both Victoria’s Secret and Old Navy (Gap inc). 

Fun fact: I designed for the Victoria’s Secret Pink fashion show every year during my time in New York. 

Working with these brands, I gained key industry insights into what skills are needed and how the business of fashion works which will greatly influence my teaching perspective and the content I share with the students on the course. 

• What are your ambitions for the course? 

I am delighted to be partnering with Fashion Lecturer Sarah Thompson, pictured below right, and Fashion Lecturer (Creative Practitioner) Jess Downes, pictured below centre, to deliver an exciting, industry-relevant course that offers the widest range of fashion design and marketing content. 

The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Fashion course is newly designed by fashion industry experts.  This is a course for students serious about building their career in fashion.  The sky is the limit here. 

• Any tips for success for students returning, joining or thinking of applying to the course? 

The Northern School of Art isn’t like any other university-level institution, you are truly at the heart of a creative hub with so much access to explore and collaborate with other students.  You’re learning from some really inspiring and welcoming people with incredible experience and more importantly who care about your growth.  The School attracts people who value creativity and knows how to support you to find your potential. 

Come to study our BA (Hons) Fashion course and we will give you the skills to succeed.  Learn all the design skills, from design and making, digital fashion design, styling as well as all other aspects of design and fashion marketing that will position you well with a strong portfolio for your entrance to the fashion industry in whichever area you decide. 

I am really looking forward to working with students on the BA (Hons) Fashion degree, supporting them to reach their full potential & preparing them for the future of the fashion industry.”

Come here to learn from people that care about your success and help you to reach your creative potential! 

Further information about The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Fashion degree course is available HERE