TOPSHOP INTERNSHIP

“I believe its the overall aesthetics of my collection, from the silhouette, colours, fabric treatments and experimentation of prints which gave me the edge over the rest. With thorough research on my theme (When Anatomy Becomes Ornament), I focused on playing with unique fabrics such as shower curtains for my jackets and shorts, combining translucent and opaque fabrics to create a new texture. I also had infusing elements such as dyed key rings and pipings to form 3-dimensional shapes on my garments. Most importantly, the clothes in my collection are all ready-to-wear pieces which can fit into any modern woman’s wardrobe, wore separately or together,” says Priscilla Tan, winner of the Topshop internship at the Topshop & Topman presents FRESH! – The Graduate Showcase.

NAFA-alumni Priscilla Tan, will be winging off to London in January 2008 for her two-week internship programme with the giant British fashion retailer. With airfare and accommodations all paid for in her win, her exciting stint has been put together with the help of Wing Tai Retail, the franchise holders who operate Topshop and Topman stores in Singapore. As such, her first week will include an inspirational trip to the world-famous Portobello Market with the Topshop design team, visit competitive shops in the central London area, sit in on a Best/Worse Sellers meeting, an introduction and walk-through at the Topshop flagship store at Oxford Circus with the buying team, sit in on a buyers meeting with the design team to review key components of current and future trends, as well as preparation of garments for the Topshop Unique Show at London Fashion Week. Her second week will be spent learning the ropes of how a big fashion company puts a garment out on the floor and the numerous behind-the-scenes processes including a considerable time in the pattern room of Topshop.

“Having shopped in London at the flagship Topshop in Oxford Circus just last year and now given the opportunity to be an intern under their wings is going to be an experience of a lifetime for me. I hope to be able to see how the design team works out a design based on the latest upcoming trends and how the pattern team brings the sketch to life and its transition to the sales floor. Through learning and communicating with the design team, I believe it will bring deeper insights and broaden my knowledge on the fashion scene in the world today. All these will enable me to sharpen my skills as a designer and my fashion journey in the future. In preparation for the trip, I have also been reading up on the current fashion news, researching on Topshop's history, trends, business, and designs. I also visit their shops here often to see what is new and also to observe consumer needs. Personally I have also been taking care, ensuring that I will be in the pink of health when I am in cold windy London as I plan to maximize and learn as much as I can during my two weeks there.”