Erica Charles, Lynnette Murphy

Understanding the market for fashion is an essential foundation stone for all those who are interested in carving out a successful career in the fashion design industry. By the end of the course you will have a clear idea of who your customers would be, where your collections or products should be on sale, the basic steps from designing to selling a collection including press and PR, and how to get that all-important media attention. You will investigate what people do that makes them successful, whilst collecting information on colour, fabric, price, design and retail outlet. You will also design a capsule collection of your own with the 'ultimate' promotion plan.

Having worked in the fashion and fashion-related industries for the last 15 years, Erica has held management positions at leading London agencies. Her clients have included brands and retailers from high street to premium, such as ASOS.com, Lipsy, The Limited Inc. (own Victoria's Secret), Emmanuel Ungaro and Oscar de la Renta. With a profound knowledge of Retail Marketing and Brand Management, Erica has been responsible for identifying commercial opportunities, developing and implementing sales and marketing communication strategies, organising launch events, media liaison and trade show participation.
Currently working as a Marketing Consultant, her current client portfolio includes revolutionary, Mary Portas' Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children.

Lynnette Murphy has been running her own design consultancy business whilst teaching fashion design and marketing at various colleges for many years.