Bridal

Get To Know: Emily – Cutting Room Intern

Introducing our incredible Sassi Holford intern, Emily. Emily works in our cutting room and studies at the world renowned London College of Fashion, and has always been interested in the manufacturing side of the British fashion industry. Since starting her internship with us she has become passionate about all things bridal, and brings that passion into our Somerset atelier. We sat down with Emily to find out more about her day-to-day role and responsibilities, and the most valuable things she’s learnt during her time at Sassi Holford.

 

London College of Fashion Cutting Room Intern

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself; what inspired you to want to work in the fashion industry and has it been something you’ve always wanted to do?

Ever since I was a child I’ve been interested in the creative field; I loved art all through school and have always loved fashion and textiles. When I got to secondary school I really found a passion for it, especially when I got to choose textiles for GCSE and A level options which eventually led to an undergraduate degree.

You’re studying at the renowned London College of Fashion; can you tell us more about your course and what it involves? Has bridal fashion been something you’ve wanted to work in – what made you want to apply to intern at Sassi Holford?

I’m studying fashion design and development; it’s centred around industry and how to design and create with customers in mind. We get taught how to generate patterns and create different pieces, garments and techniques to use in our work. I never thought I would go into the bridal industry, but I knew that I wanted to be in the manufacturing side of fashion. I have since been fascinated with it; always looking at Vogue Weddings Instagram posts and admiring the bridal shops I pass in the high street. I applied thinking I would gain some knowledge in bridal wear and construction but it’s been so much more than that.

As our cutting room intern; what does this involve on a day-to-day basis, what are your responsibilities?

My job is to cut, grade and amend patterns to be manufactured into bridal gowns. We get given our brides order and her measurements and have to cut the pattern pieces ready to be stitched together upstairs and turned into her dress. It’s a lot of precision and technical skill, especially with orders that are made to measure. We work in tiny measurements from 1/16th of an inch to get the perfect shape and fit to ensure we make their dream dress a reality. It’s a lengthy process, but so worth it to see the end result.

What’s your favourite aspect of interning at Sassi Holford and what have been the most valuable experiences so far?

My favourite thing about interning is learning all about the processes that are undertaken to cut the perfect dress. I never knew there were so many processes and fabric layers going into one dress! I’ve made so many new friends and love being in the workrooms, getting to feel the buzz from everyone who are so passionate about what they do. I’ve learnt about different fabrics and what makes them important and suitable as well as personal confidence and technical skills.

As you know, we are passionate about being a responsible brand and creating gowns with a process that is as kind to the environment as it can be; what are your thoughts on sustainability and responsibility, and from your position as a student, do you feel the future of bridal and the wider fashion industry is on the right track?

I think sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s something that designers and brands are really trying to take into consideration. ‘Greenwashing’ has been a huge problem in the fashion industry and it’s been a real eye opener to work within a brand that is so transparent to their climate pledge and carbon neutrality. If we want a career and a fashion industry to work in in the future, changes need to be made now before it’s too late. The fashion industry is heading in the right direction but there is so much more that needs to be done and can be done to change it. We’re just stepping in the right direction at the moment but we need to be chasing a greener alternative to the whole industry. Read more about our responsibility ethos here.

Discover the collection Emily has had a hand in making, Let There Be Love or read about our Somerset store manager, Kristine here.

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