We went to London to see the Nick Knight exhibition. I thought it was really really good. Where everything was so interactive it made it more interesting to view the work and also be involved. It also lets you know and understand the work and creativity that goes into it and it was fun. The first interactive stage was a huge triple sculptures of Naomi Campbell where you could digitally draw on them and it allowed you to make your own artwork. There were screen all around the exhibition with video clips and images of fashion which was a better way of showing an artists work and also how they do it. some of the screens were interactive, you could touch them to change and create images. Original displays of artwork were also there such as pieces of clothing on spinning mannequins. Although the exhibition was fun and entertaining i think it is important to have the original artwork and it should not all be digitally displayed as this takes away the whole meaning of the work. It was a really good idea to have a live photo shoot in the exhibition, you can see how it works and the creativity and story behind the work.

From the Jacket project, which was to be honest a disaster, it has shown me that i need to have my work done on schedule all the time. I need to make a critical path and stick to it and i should make sure my toiles are perfect before i start to make them up in the real fabric.

peclears did another presentation to us today. Giving us the themes for the trends for 2011. I think they are much more interesting than last year as there is not as much influence from the recession which made the themes simple, basic and economical. BORING! Fashion needs expense for glamour and style.

A man from Ciment Pleating came in today to show us what he does. He uses traditional methods to pleat the fabric, using steam. This is a dieing art which is very unfortunate because its such a beautiful technique. There are only about three places left in the UK that still use this method. He also does fancy pleating which creates different textured patterns. this is all hand made The pattern is scored onto cardboard and then each individual bit is folded. Two of these are made and then the fabric sadwiches inbetween.

This is from my fairy art of the day. I love these kind of pictures. I love all the intricate details, the colour and just the overall feel of the picture, its really nice.

We were briefed on our project for our jacket today. I am very excited and cant wait to start, i already have lots of ideas. We have an opportunity to work with textiles student so they can design our fabric. I think this is a really good idea. Using textiles can enhance your designs and makes the fabric more interesting and it can be designed however you want it. Some of us may have the opportunity to be entered into the FAD competition and show our work in a catwalk show. It is very exciting. We have to work in teams with designers and promoters, like it would be in industry. This is a very good way of giving us experience of what it would be like in the workplace.

Over the summer I have done a live project with Fab Frocks of Westbourne. Where I designed and made a dress. After i researched into the shops and knew the customer base and items sold, i talked with the owner of the shop, Tracey, about opening to a new market. We decided that I would design and make an outfit for an 18-20 year old clubber, but still using the sophisticated style that the shop has. I loved doing this project and it would be something i would love to do as a career. It also gave me an idea of what it might be like in industry.

'Talent is not enough. You must have the right mindset. To get to the top and stay there you have to want to be the best in the world with every ounce of your mind, body and soul. You have to make great sacrifices. You must throw yourself into new experiences to learn and improve continuously in order to develop and have your skills so that they become second nature. You must make the right decisions on and off the park; and you must not upset anyone important, even if they deserve it. If you can do all this, then you will have the confidence to trust yourself. This will free your mind to let your talents flow and luck will help you on your way.'

Richard Rivett

I cant believe how quickly this first year has gone. I have really enjoyed the course. It definately helps if you like what you are doing otherwise you would think that it was really hard work. I thought the work load was quite reasonable and have loved doing it all. Especially the design and making.

Our latest design project is Fashion vs Sports. I was not looking forward to this project because i dont really like sports wear and do not find it inspirational. However now i have got into it i am excited about making my final outfit. Hopefully some of the first years will be able to show their work in the fashion show.

We had the opportunity to help out with On/Off London Fashion week. I was very excited about this as the catwalk shows are the best part of the fashion industry. It was a bit disappointing that we were sat around for so long and in group B, when the time came for our first dressing, the designer had his own team and did not want our help. When i did eventually get to dress the models it was very exciting and i did enjoy myself but i don't think it made up for the time spent sitting around. I would much prefer to be the designer showing my collection.

I went to the 'show me what u got' variety show last night. There was a range of acts from singing and dancing to fashion and magic. It was a really good night, very entertaining and definately some really good talent.

I was showing a piece that i had been working on. I tend to get bored if something drags on too long and it did take me a while to complete the top because it was mostly hand sewn, and as i am only in my first year i am not that great with the technical side of things yet. So i didnt want to do it near the end. But i did and it turned out really good and im really glad i decided to stick to it. I loved it. I loved being more important and not just sitting in the audience, i loved the maddness backstage, i LOVED seeing my garment being shown and i loved them saying my name. This is definately something i would do again, and every opportunity i have, i will get involved with something like this. Except maybe next time it will be judged so i could win.

Doing that show has made me realise how fun it can be and it has made me even more determined to work hard and succeed.

After finishing the first term i am enjoying the experience and am happy and excited to come back and start the next bit of work.