Find out more about BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design graduate Borbala Iszlai, winner of The Northern School of Art‘s BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design – Student of the Year Award 2022, which is an acknowledgement of a high degree of commitment and professionalism throughout the graduating students from the School’s costume design degree.

• What is your home town and which school/college did you join the School from?

Before coming to The Northern School of Art, I was living in Denmark and graduated with a Foundation Degree in Fashion Design at the VIA University College.

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

The Northern School of Art was the perfect next step, as I had an interest in costume design. I chose this course as it allowed me to explore both historical and modern costuming alongside other skills like millinery (hat making), tailoring and leatherwork.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time at the School (academically as well as socially!)

A couple of my favourite memories during my time here were the collaborations I got to do during these three years with fellow talented students from different courses. As Covid was present during most of my studies, I was not able to experience a lot of social interactions, but the time spent in the sewing studio made us feel like a small family.

Images from a recent photoshoot collaboration between Bori and fellow photography student and recent graduate Debbie Todd featuring one of her striking costumes are below.

• What are you doing next and what are your plans/ambitions for the future?

My next step is to start working both in opera and film, while exploring the horror genre in more depth through side projects, which would hopefully open doors to new collaborations.

• Any advice for future students applying for the same course as you?

My advice for future students is that anything is possible if you stay determined! The tutors here are lovely and they will support and go out their way to help you with any crazy idea that you might come up with, so don’t be afraid to explore your skills and art! I also recommend not to be intimidated to contact fellow students if you have any ideas that you want to collaborate on, as most will be more than happy to cooperate!

• Where can people find out more about your work? 

I am on Instagram @borb4la

Further information about The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree course is available HERE