Emma Rowe

BA (Hons) Art and Design – Fashion and Textiles

Emma Rowe joined Colchester Institute on completion of her A Levels at The Sixth Form College, Colchester, to study for the National Diploma in Art and Design and progressed to the BA (Hons) in Art and Design, specialising in fashion and textiles. She had always had a keen interest in fashion and textiles, and had previously worked as an assistant seamstress in a bridal shop.

Emma chose to study at the College after researching a range of universities, but felt that they didn’t offer the flexibility that she needed, or compared to the facilities at Colchester Institute. She said, “To be honest, I loved my tutors and felt really happy here. So I just thought, why go somewhere else when I’ve got everything I need on my doorstep?”

Emma, who is now in her third year, told us she had learnt so much since she started the course. Including printing and construction techniques, which she didn’t think she would have learnt elsewhere.

In addition to the new technical and organisational skills Emma has learnt, she also flew for the first time, on a trip to Prague organised by the College. This new experience encouraged her to take more trips and is soon off to visit Paris, for the second time.

As part of her course, Emma had the opportunity to gain work experience, working alongside one of her tutors at London Fashion Week. She has also recently completed work experience with textile designer Lisa Stickley in London, which Emma said has "opened her eyes to the working world and the opportunities available to me when I graduate.”

Emma has ambitions to start her own business, selling her own print designs and embroidered textile pieces locally, before owning her own shop or studio.

In her spare time, Emma is using the techniques learnt at College to renovate her Victorian house with her boyfriend. She has been given free reign with the interior design and is even designing her own fabrics.