Nov 8 2011 10:00AM
Jonie Worton, who completed the BA (Hons) Design| course at UCS Lowestoft| this summer, is soaking up all things fashion on a seven-week Paul Smith Scholarship based in one of the fashion capitals of the world- Tokyo.
The scholarship is awarded through Nottingham Trent University where Jonie is currently undertaking a Masters in Fashion Knitwear course. During their time in Tokyo, the four students chosen for the scheme are able to spend time at Bunka University- a respected fashion university.
During the trip, Jonie has also had the opportunity to meet Paul Smith and attend an exhibition for his 20th anniversary store celebration.
Jonie said: “The experience has been fantastic so far. It’s a complete culture shock; the food, the people, sleeping on traditional Japanese futons – but being completely out of my comfort zone has been the best bit. Meeting Paul Smith is, of course, another highlight and I’m very grateful to him for giving me this opportunity. I am also very excited about the knitwear workshop coming soon because of the Bunka University’s impressive seamless garment technology.”
After completing her masters next year, Jonie hopes to break in to the fashion world and work in a design team in the knitwear department for a high end fashion company. Although it’s early in her career, Jonie has already shown a talent for the fashion industry. She gained recognition for three years running at the Bradford Textile Student Awards when she was on the degree course at UCS Lowestoft. The annual competition is open to students from around the UK and attracts entries from some of the most prestigious colleges and universities including the Royal College of Art in London.
Jonie reflects on her time at UCS as an enriching experience that has aided her development in the industry.
“It was a big step moving to Nottingham, let alone Japan. I have always had a passion to better myself and experience new things. Hearing the tutors at UCS Lowestoft talk about past experiences and achievements inspired me to further my development as a designer."
“I really feel that UCS Lowestoft gave me the confidence and experience I needed, whilst being able to learn locally. At that point I didn’t feel ready to move away to learn and was so pleased to find a gem of a course on my doorstep.”
Josie has also written a blog from her time on the scheme|.