How to write a motivation letter for fashion departments

Competition among fashion entrants is incredibly high, so it's important to think ahead about how to write a motivational letter to get noticed. Be original, think in business terms, and don't quote Chanel."

Fashion isn't just clothes. Fashion is in the air, brought by the wind. You can only feel it."

What matters more: portfolio or motivation?

But if your portfolio is not good enough, a motivation letter (essay) will hardly be read. According to Willie Walters, director of the fashion curriculum at Central St. Martin's. "If the work is boring, I don't even open the motivational letter," she said. It can include sketches and sketches, as well as photos of your design items. "We need original and fresh ideas," notes the expert.

Fashion is about originality!

Banality like "passion for fashion" in a motivational letter is a definite "no" to its author, adds Josephine Collins, director of fashion journalism at London College of Fashion. "It's not hard to write and sounds good, but we ve already seen it hundreds of times, she warns. Admissions officers also shudder when they come across another tired citation from a fashion icon.

There are always more applicants than there are spaces. To get noticed, avoid cliches, says Andrew Groves, head of the fashion and design course at the University of Westminster. "Imagine yourself in my shoes," said Groves, who reads more than 1,000 essays a year. -How will your work be different from everyone else's?"

Do you know fashion trends?

It's a good idea to mention your favorite designer, but think carefully about who you re writing about, suggests Mel Birkinshaw, director of Edinburgh University's fashion program: "You quote the same people all the time. Every so often someone will write about a more conceptual designer, and that's what makes it stand out; you can tell there's a deep interest in the subject."

Showing you're "in the business" is vital, universities agree, but don't forget that fashion is also a serious industry. Fashion is the third biggest industry in the UK, by volume," reminds Jane Gottelier, Head of Curriculum at Falmouth University. -I would rather;refuse an applicant who writes essays about celebrity&style&and TV programs because it makes me think they take fashion too superficially.

According to the faculty members involved in admissions, it's important to not only explain why you want to study fashion, and write about your previous fashion experience, but also show that you have other interests.

"Some of our courses are very much business-oriented, like fashion as a business," said Liz Barnes, senior lecturer at Manchester University, as an example.

Fashion is not all...

Multifaceted hobbies show your community involvement which is very important for a fashion student according to admissions officers. Staying up-to-date with current news, being willing to learn, being curious, and having an inquiring mind."

If you have an unusual hobby, don't;hesitate to mention it;it might help draw attention to yourself. "I've had figure skaters, an Olympic-level gymnast, and insect collectors, says Anne Chastie, who teaches history and fashion theory at Arts University Bournemouth.

Fashion is portrayed as a field where you have to go head over heels to make something happen, but Sheisty wants students who are not only willing to take, but also to give.

Literacy can't be faked

Good motivational writing is characterized by accuracy and correct speech, experts agree. In addition, Barnes says, it must fit the features of the program you want to get into. "For example, there are many programs that are called 'fashion marketing,' but the content is very different, she explains. -Understand the differences between the program you're applying to and write a motivation letter."

Even when a portfolio is weightier than an essay, it's important to show your unique writing skills. According to selection faculty, the most important thing can be to convey personality and character. "Don't t make anything up, honesty and naturalness are best, advises Chastie. -Be yourself."

And please don't quote Coco Chanel.

Translated by Alyona Makhnova.

P.s.: If you need help writing your motivational letter, we've gathered various education agencies abroad that can help you.