Claire Hughes Interview
Claire Hughes is a young graduate of De Montfort University. She currently works for a UK lingerie conglomerate. TLP asked Claire about her career so far. Q: How did you get into the lingerie industry?
A: I went to De Montfort to study contour fashion as I had a interest in corsetry and the structure of a garment. I completed the course with a 2:2.
Q: When did you finish at DMU?
A: I finished De Monfort (Contour Programme) last year.
Q: How long did it take?
A: The course took three years to complete. It was the best time I have had so far — meeting new people and making really good friends.
Q: What did you like most about the programme?
A: The thing I most enjoyed about the course was learning corsetry, which was one of the reasons why I decided to study at De Montfort. I don’t really have a thing that I liked the least I just had a really good time at university and I like to think I made the most of it.
Q: Did you complete a final project?
A: I researched and investigated 1920’s control underwear. I produced six individual outfits, making it into something that could be worn by modern women. I wanted the collection to have the feel of the 1920’s. I also wanted to materialize the independence and freedom that women were gaining every day in social and political venues, but keeping the line sexy.
Q: Do you keep in touch with other DMU alum?
A: Yes, not as much as I would like but we all keep in touch on facebook.
Q: Where are you working now?
A: I am currently working for a lingerie company in the UK as a fabric technologist?
Q: What does a fabric technologist do?
A: I manage critical paths, which means I sit in conference calls with the factories and members of our team discussing what is out-standing, what needs to be brought forward, and what needs to be a priority. I also work with fabrics to ensure the colour is consistent with standards that have been approved for the entire production: lab dips, bulk, pre-production garments, and gold seals (the final product). I also communicate with customers when they require colour assistance with lab dips, bulks, and test reports . I also review and approve reports for fabrics that have been undergone customer scrutiny.
Photos courtesy of Katherine Jones
