http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.ukFashion Retail Academy News Feeden-usCopyright (C) 2012 Fashion Retail AcademyDo you want to kick start your career in Fashion Retail
The FRA provides truly vocational courses that lead to real jobs.
Not only will you enjoy an inspirational atmosphere where interactive learning is encouraged using the very latest facilities, we’ll also make sure that you have the chance to meet the people who matter in the industry so you can see just how relevant your studies are to the real world of high street fashion.
Full time course places are still available at the Fashion Retail Academy for September 2012 on the following courses:
FE Courses:
• Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail
• BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Art & Design (Graphic Design)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Business (Retail)
HE Courses:
• Higher Certificate Fashion Retail (Merchandising)
Apply Today
http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/58/september-2012-.htmlMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:45:53 +0100FRA Students Visit Colorset
Following our special partnership with Colorset, the FRA was once again delighted to visit the Colorset studios for a student visit. Students from both our Level 4 Visual Merchandising course and National Diploma Graphic Design course visited the London Bridge studios.
Tom Phelan, Director and Senior Visual Consultant at Colorset remarked:
“By guiding our future VM consultants as to what we can achieve will lead to continued innovation on both the creative and technical sides of our business.”
We would like to thank Tom and the Colorset team for providing another fantastic workshop for our students.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/57/fra-students-visit-colorset.htmlWed, 21 Mar 2012 11:44:57 +0000Royal visit to the FRA
The Fashion Retail Academy was privileged to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of York to the Academy on Thursday, 9th February, during National Apprenticeship Week. The Duke met the two new FRA apprentices and talked to both apprentices about their experience to date at the Academy.
His Royal highness the Duke of Yorkhttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/56/royal-visit-to-the-fra.htmlMon, 13 Feb 2012 13:40:48 +0000http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/55/.htmlThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:41:41 +0000http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/54/e-commerce-student-masterclass-with-arcadia-.htmlThu, 02 Feb 2012 12:44:12 +0000Tony Morgan, the course leader of the Level 4 Visual Merchandising course was invited to give a lecture and present an award by COHIM in China.
COHIM is an independent Retail Academy based in Beijing, they run the only VM course in main land China. Their students attend a one month intensive course studying all aspects of VM. Based in the credible art district 798, COHIM have mock windows and fixtures for the students to practise their VM skills.
Each year COHIM host and awards ceremony to celebrates their students success. This year the ceremony was held at the Grand Hyatt, it was a lavish and impressive affair, with student receiving awards for the best floral arrangement, store concept and of course the best window design. Tony was honoured to give the award for the best window display.
While in Beijing Tony also scaled the Great Wall of China and visited the Forbidden City.

http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/53/fra-lecturer-tony-morgan-presents--guest-lecture-&-awards-ceremony-in-china-.htmlMon, 09 Jan 2012 14:49:03 +0000Today the FRA lecture theatre was transformed into a fully functional catwalk, as the Level 3 students came together to create their annual end of term fashion show. This year’s theme was Make Do & Mend which meant students had to recycle garments and employ their creative skills such as customisation and manipulation to develop new looks.
Students were assigned to different roles as part of their Level 3 styling assignment including: models, dressers, production, promotion and front of house runners. This year the London College of Fashion supported the event by providing 20 students on their FdA Hair and Beauty for Fashion course, who helped create the models finished looks.
This year’s Fashion Show was in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust and students were on hand to take donations throughout the day.
Congratulations to our students for making todays fashion show such a success.
Well done to all and we wish you all a very Happy Christmas.
http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/52/showtime-for-fra-students-.htmlFri, 09 Dec 2011 16:29:27 +0000FRA Students Raise http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/51/fra-students-raise-.htmlMon, 21 Nov 2011 15:31:05 +0000We were delighted to welcome Peter Ruis, Buying & Brand Director for Fashion at John Lewis to the Fashion Retail Academy to present an inspirational Masterclass to FRA students.
Peter joined John Lewis in 2005 and describes it as the “Ultimate Emporium”, illustrating that you can work for high end and high street brands and designers all at John Lewis. Peter said that success comes from making customers happy , John Lewis is the House of Brands, making them accessible and unwilling to compromise on brand, price and quality – “never knowingly undersold”. In the last 5 years John Lewis has modernised, developed own brand and become more emotional. Their latest advertising campaign shows John Lewis as being a “partner for life” and encourages customers to “love” John Lewis. Peter’s Top Tips for our students were:
• Keep it simple
• Be passionate
• It’s never good enough
• Better an average idea executed perfectly
• Do not turn into a “Queen Bee” – treat people appropriately
• Have fun …
http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/50/peter-ruis-masterclass-.htmlWed, 19 Oct 2011 13:08:08 +0100Sir Philip Green Masterclass

The Fashion Retail Academy’s Masterclass programme is in full swing for the new academic term, with both Nigel JL Rothband (Retail Trust, CEO) and Sir Philip Green presenting masterclasses to our new students.
Sir Philip Green was greeted with an excited applause as students had the opportunity to pose their questions to Sir Philip in an open forum. Students quizzed Sir Philip on a number of topics including: the expansion of the Arcadia group, starting up a new business and how to be successful in retail. Sir Philip advised students that if they are to be successful in retail, they need to wake up with a hunger for retail and ultimately love what they do. Sir Philip stated that students need to inspire and drive themselves and be 100% focussed.
Sir Philip Green vowed that he would return to the Academy before the end of term to test our student’s skills and knowledge to date. Students were very excited to learn that Sir Philip had kindly agreed to open Topshops flagship store on Oxford Street exclusively to FRA students one evening before Christmas. Both staff and students look forward to Sir Philips next visit to the Academy.

http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/49/sir-philip-green-masterclass.htmlFri, 14 Oct 2011 10:57:35 +0100The Fashion Retail Academy Awards Ceremony was attended today by its Sponsors and retail industry big hitters – Sir Philip Green (Arcadia), Marc Bolland (M&S), Andrew Varley (Next) and Jan Marchant (Tesco), along with many other business leaders in the fashion retail industry.
Special guest Tess Daly, presented the Fashion Retail Academy Commitment Award 2011 to Amy Parsons from the Level 4 Buying & Merchandising course – a very popular choice with the students!
Other Awards winners were:
Deborah McCready (Fda) – The Tesco Outstanding Student Award 2011
Mee Lenh Luong - The Next Outstanding Student Award 2011
Tzara Plummer (L4 VM) – The M&S Outstanding Student Award 2011
Rebecca Holt (L4 B&M) – Arcadia Outstanding Student Award 2011
Louis Butterfield (L4 VM) – Colorset Outstanding Window Award
Kamilla Charles (L3) - FTCT Community Recognition Award
Frankie Lee Farmer (L4 B&M) – Retail Trust Retail Ambassador Award
We were delighted to welcome our sponsors, retail supporters, students, staff and parents to the FRA today to celebrate the end of the 6th year academic year for the Fashion Retail Academy. The FRA has gone from strength to strength growing from 50 students in 2006 to 534 today. In September 2011 we will be enrolling over 600 students to the Academy.
Today 53 of our graduating students received distinctions and already 50% of this year’s graduates from the Fashion Retail Academy have secured jobs in the industry with many more returning to the FRA or going on to University or further education.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/15/tess-daly-presents-fashion-retail-academy-awards.htmlSat, 16 Jul 2011 13:58:22 +0100Highly acclaimed Business woman, Vice Chairman at West Ham and star of the BBC Apprentice Karren Brady, give a Masterclass at the Fashion Retail Academy. Karren talked about her time as Director at Birmingham City Football Club and advised students to develop persistence and determination in business.
Karren told students to develop a can do attitude in the workplace and remain positive and focussed at all times. Students where given the opportunity to have a short question and answer session with Karren and gain an insight into Karrens role in Business.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/47/karren-brady-masterclass.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:41:43 +0100Twenty Luxury and High Street retailers attended Careers Day at the Fashion Retail Academy. Their human resources experts were on hand to speak to FRA students about securing jobs on graduating from the Academy in July.
They provided coaching on the application process, practical tips on CV and interview technique and guidance on what careers and vacancies are available.
Amazing... another example of the fantastic opportunities and industry contacts provided to students studying at the FRA.
What the Retailers said:
•We had a fantastic day and really enjoyed meeting the students - Lou, Resourcing Manager, La Senza
•A lot of students are hungry for work experience which is always good to see - Christopher, Next
•Yesterday was very productive for us. I have noted down the two extra students, many thanks - Jennifer, PurplePR
•My students really enjoyed the Gap presentation - so did I! - Tony, Course Leader, FRAhttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/46/careers-day-provides-amazing-opportunities-for-fra-students.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:38:10 +0100Level 4 students recently attended a Masterclass with Matt Chadder from Instinct Laboratory. Students gained an insight into the world of consumer behaviour and the influence of the major brands in the marketplace.
Students gathered in the lecture hall and received an interactive lecture from Instinct Laboratory and then broke off into small groups, to complete activities and set tasks.
Matt Chadder from Instinct was highly impressed with the Level 4 students and commented: "I was amazed at their level of understanding and passion" Following the student Masterclass, Instinct Laboratory have offered two Level 4 Students paid work placements. Students Joe and Claire will spend 2 weeks at Instincts UK office in Nottingham and then spend a further 2 weeks in a European city working for instinct.
We would like to thank Matt for visiting the Academy and say a big congratulations to both Joe and Claire, for landing these fantastic work placements.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/45/instinct-laboratory-visit-the-fra.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:34:17 +0100Colorset have recently partnered with the FRA to provide short morning workshops for their Visual Merchandising students. "Our aim is to facilitate an understanding of the potential processes involved when realizing conceptual window and in-store graphics displays", says Tom Phelan, Director and Senior Visual Consultant at Colorset. He adds, "by guiding our future VM consultants as to what we can achieve will lead to continued innovation on both the creative and technical sides of our business".http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/44/level-4-vm-visit-colorset.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:31:17 +0100Students got the chance to meet Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom, the face of the new Hugo Boss fragrance, Orange Man.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/43/lucky-level-4-students-were-invited-to-a-vip-launch-at-selfridges-department-store.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:28:46 +0100The FRA was delighted to welcome MP Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Education) and MP Ed Vaizey (Minister for Communication, Culture and the Creative Industries) who visited the Academy on Tuesday the 8th of March.
Chair of Governors Kim Morton and our Principle Karen Dennison treated the visitors to a guided tour of the Academy. Ministers then visited a number of students during their time-tabled lessons and observed the Level 2 Visual Merchandising classes and observed a styling lesson by lecturer Lisa Davis. Government ministers had a great taster of Academy life and were impressed by the excellent facilities at the FRA, including the student mock shop and the new fashion clothing design room.
 http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/42/government-ministers-visit-the-academy.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:25:56 +0100On Friday the 8th of February FRA students were lucky enough to be invited to Gok Wan's Clothes Roadshow. Students with high attendance were rewarded with VIP seating for the Canary Wharf recording.
The show began with an off-camera appearance from Gok Wan, where he introduced himself and allowed the audience to capture some snaps of him posing, before filming began. As filming commenced, Gok revealed himself with a big "Hello London!" The audience were shown a 'before' photo of Gok's ladies, before they strutted their stuff on the catwalk, proudly showing off their new style make-over, and the transformation was unbelievable.
This was followed by the famous Gok vs. Brix competition, where they both style four outfits influenced by four different trends. Gok works with only high street, and Brix with only designer. The show looked incredible as high street and designer battled it out on the catwalk, with outfits including two beautiful maxi dresses, and an amazing sport influenced trend, where the designer option seemed to be a massive hit with the audience. Once all the trends had been seen, it was voting time - with the famous pink and black paddles. Finally it was results time, and the winner was Brix and her stunning designer collection. Overall a very successful show to end the series on and a great trip out for FRA students.
Review by Rebecca Underhay (Level 3 Student).http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/41/gok-wan's-clothes-roadshow.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:22:31 +0100The Fashion Retail Academy was delighted to have two of our students attend this year Drapers Etail Awards, which was held at the prestigious London venue Altitude 360. The Awards recognised the best of online fashion focusing on innovative webdesign and the use of social media on fashion websites.
FRA students Poppy and Kamila worked with the Drapers team, selling raffle tickets to award guests and helped to raise http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/40/fra-help-raise-?1-110-at-the-drapers-etail-awards-2011.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:19:11 +0100Here at The Fashion Retail Academy we were delighted to welcome Carl McPhail CEO of New Look, who hosted our first Masterclass of 2011. Carl treated Level 3 and Level 4 students to a masterclass, followed by a Q&A session.
Carl talked about his journey into the world of retail, and reflected on his time at BHS, where Carl became the youngest manager BHS ever had, at the tender age of 23. Carl then progressed to roles with River Island and Selfridges, before joining New Look as CEO in 2008.
Carl was responsible for opening New looks flagship store on Oxford Street, as well as developing the business internationally. Currently New look has 600 UK stores and 400 international stores, making New look the number 2 retailer for women's clothes in the UK
Carl advised students "to keep striving and learning from the people around them". and make "the most of their own destiny". Carl stated that the FRA provided an "incredible" opportunity for studentshttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/39/carl-mcphail-ceo-of-new-look--presents-fra-masterclass.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:15:14 +0100Our first Open Day of 2011 was a great success with over 450 students visiting the Academy. Students and parents were treated to subject specific talks with course leaders and were taken on guided tours of the Academy, led by our wonderful student ambassadors. Course leaders, tutors and support staff were on hand to answer enquiries and help students find their perfect course.
Our next Open Day is scheduled for the 2nd of March 2011, please book your place here.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Fashion Retail Academy in March.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/38/the-fashion-retail-academy-open-day-january-2011.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:08:19 +0100Students from Brazil designed this christmas window, while on a short Visual Merchandising Course at the Academy, they found the 3 day course "Really useful and important".
Emanuela Faglia travelled from Italy to attend the 3 day short course at the Academy. Anna Johnson and Emanuela worked together on their festive window design.
Iryna Butiaha, travelled all the way from the Ulkraine to attend the short course at the Academy. She worked with partner Ploykhwan Bumrungpun On this fantastic window design. Both girls described their time on their short course as "Fantastic".
Sonia Olaya travelled all the way from Columbia, to attend the short course at the Academy. When asked about the course Sonia stated she "Would recommend the college to many friends".
Window design by Joanna and her partner Mandy Weeks. They found that their 3 day short Visual Merchandising course provided, "a good insight into industry standards"http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/37/international-students-attend-visual-merchandising-short-course.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:06:17 +0100To conclude their Styling assignment, Level 3 students at the FRA organised and produced a Masquerade Ball Fashion Show which was very theatrical.
The students worked really hard and managed everything from production of poster and publicity, front and back of house organisation, music, dressing plus designing, making and modeling their costumes. Even the seating plan was taken care of. Hair and make-up was skillfully applied by six students from the London College of Fashion so our thanks to them.

There was an amazing atmosphere in the Lecture Theatre as the models strut their stuff down the cat walk. The costumes were amazing, so creative, and the atmosphere electric.
This was a charity event and students raised money for charity by bringing in unwanted mobile phones and selling programmes, the proceeds will be split between the Retail Trust and Cancer Research UK.
Congratulations to all the students involved and we hope they enjoy their well earned Christmas break!http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/36/masquerade-ball-fashion-show-at-the-fra.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:02:50 +0100Level 2 Fashion Retail Academy students were treated to a Masterclass by David Shepherd, Managing Director at Topman.
He told students that Topman now have 215 stores in the UK and 72 internationally in 32 countries and they sell over one million pairs of jeans per year!
David explained that it a tough marketplace with changing and increasing competition. "Times are challenging and in tough times some brands survive, some will fail but only the BEST will grow".
Investment in the internet is key and the only way forward. David said, "the internet will be the No 1 on the high street next year."
At the end of the Masterclass David commented, "that four students from the FRA had joined Topman since September and they were more knowledgeable than some graduate students."http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/35/inspirational-masterclass-by-david-shepherd--managing-director-at-topman.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:59:27 +0100FRA students were treated to a Masterclass presented by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of the British Vogue since April 1992. Famed for her cool intelligence, her skills lie in navigating a path between couture and the high street and giving readers plenty of fantasy as well as reality.
Alexandra told students that Vogue is a brand which epitomizes fashion and glamour and the magazine makes more money than any other magazine. It is the first base for inspiring designer brands but also features cheaper options and styling suggestions.
On November 5th Vogue launched an ipod ap for Vogue plus special content and Vogue.com reached 1 million views this month and is "worth looking at daily" for fashion news.
Alexandra explained that her personal role as Editor is to make the talent around her work well together and act as a 'referee', she decides which ideas Vogue are going to do and takes responsibility for every word, photo and feature that appears.
Her best advice when applying for jobs is "Get the spelling right; always say why you want to work in that specific place. Clear CV, simple design. The letter you write can be more important than qualifications."http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/34/alexandra-shulman--editor-of-vogue--presents-fra-masterclass.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:55:51 +010028 students from the Fashion Retail Academy have volunteered to sell scratch cards on behalf of the Fashion & Textile Children's Trust at the Drapers Awards on Wednesday, 17th November 2010.
The Fashion & Textile Children's Trust is a small charity, which has been providing education and welfare grants to families in need of a helping hand since 1853. FTCT supports the children of people who are working (or have previously worked) in the fashion industry. Last year, the charity supported many families with grants for the little things that can make a big difference.
To coincide with the Drapers Awards, the Fashion & Textile Children's Trust is unveiling a new brand and website and launching a new campaign to promote its educational grants for the children of people working in the UK fashion and textiles sector. The FTCT will shortly be offering a limited number of bursaries to eligible students at the Fashion Retail Academy in memory of one of their dedicated trustees, Nick Samuel.
Jessica Brown, Editor of Drapers, says:
"The Fashion & Textile Children's Trust is an exceptionally hard-working charity, which does some great work helping the children of people working in the fashion and textile sectors. We urge everyone in the fashion industry to get involved in helping them to keep on growing."
Following the event Anna Pangbourne, Director of the Fashion & Textile Children's Trust says to the FRA volunteers:
"You all did an AMAZING job for our charity, last night - thank you all for your hard work, and enthusiasm. The total amount raised for the Fashion & Textile Children's Trust was £13,025 - this is incredible! This will be able to help around 15 children whose parents will be applying to our charity for their child - and that's all down to you...you were brilliant!"http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/33/fra-students-volunteer.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:51:56 +0100On BBC's The Apprentice shown on Thursday 3rd November the teams were told to meet Lord Sugar at The Fashion Retail Academy where the challenge was set.
It is week five and the candidates boldly enter the world of fashion. Lord Sugar challenges the teams to open pop-up shops at the Trafford Centre in Manchester - one of Europe's largest shopping centres. The teams must select ranges of clothing from some of London's most up-and-coming designers, and are tasked with charming the fashionistas to allow them to represent their brand at retail.
Under the ever-watchful eyes of Nick and Karen, the teams swap their business suits for cool clobber and use every trick in the book to market and promote their stores.
In the boardroom, one candidate on the losing team faces a serious dressing-down from Lord Sugar who is in unforgiving mood.
View now on BBC iplayerhttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/32/fashion-retail-academy-for-lord-sugar's-apprentice.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:49:05 +0100Last week the Fashion Retail Academy had it's first Open Day this academic year on the 20th October.
Everyone that had registered for our Open Day had a fun day out where they were able to "Shop for their futures" by gathering course leaflets and information, talking to students and course leaders, listening to half hour presentations on the various courses offered by the Academy.
Our Student Ambassadors were excellent in conducting the guided tours and answering questions.It was a fantastic turnout with 400 potential students visiting our state of the art Academy and numerous signed up immediately.
We look forward to hosting the next one on Wednesday 17th November - Don't forget to register.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/31/open-day.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:46:02 +0100On 5th October over 40 students and staff from Ribe Handelsskole in Denmark studying Business and Retail visited the FRA for a 'Talk and Tour'. FRA Principal, Karen Dennison gave a general talk about the Academy which was followed by a tour of our wonderful modern facilities. Tony Morgan, Visual Merchandising Course Leader spoke to them and showed a video about VM and the work students at the FRA undertake at Level 3 and 4. The Ribe Handelsskole students were very interested in what the FRA can offer particularly as there are no specialist Fashion Retail colleges in Denmark, let's hope we can welcome some of them back as students at the FRA.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/30/danish-students-visit-fra.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:42:07 +0100Paris Cosham and 20 other level 4 students were invited to attend a private interview with the fashion commentator Colin McDowell and Paul Smith; afterwards they attended a champagne reception.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/29/fra-student-meets-designer-sir-paul-smith.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:39:35 +0100Tony Morgan is the course leader of the Level 4 Visual Merchandising course. He has been with the Academy since it opened. Previously, he worked as a Visual Merchandising manager at Selfridges for 18 years.
Tony's 1st book Visual Merchandising- Window and In-Store Displays for Retail has been translated in to 7 languages. His second book is titled,Window Display- New Visual Merchandising.
Window Display - New Visual Merchandising showcases the most exciting, innovative and successful window displays worldwide, the book offers inspiration and guidance to visual merchandisers and retailers who need to create eye-catching window designs that will increase sales. Stores have to deliver their merchandise in a competitive, imaginative and distinctive style, and never more so than now, when consumers have less to spend.
Seven chapters cover key topics for the visual merchandiser, each with a gallery of photographs - of stores in Belgium, Spain, Italy and Hong Kong as well as London and New York - demonstrating how and why each window is successful. Colour is a great tool to promote a trend, Seasonal Windows exploit the key shopping seasons and encourage the buying of gifts, while following Trends, in fashion, food or homewares, and translating them quickly into a window display is a key skill for a visual merchandiser. Graphics and Photography are cost-effective and efficient tools for delivering a message or inform the customer, or use Lighting to add drama, whether spotlighting products or flooding an entire window. Theatre shows off exuberant and avant-garde displays created to wow an audience of passers-by. Quirky windows allow the merchandiser to realise their wildest ideas, with spectacular results.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/28/book-launch-for-fra-course-leader.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:37:20 +0100Last week a Fashion Retail Academy student Frankie Lee attended the House of Commons for the launch of the "Value of Fashion" report. Frankie was invited to talk about how he came to study fashion retail and the lack of information available to him at school.
"I suppose this experience for me sums up what the Academy can do for you and the chances you are given. To represent the Academy and the future of British fashion at the House of Commons is a priceless and once in a lifetime opportunity. There are not any other colleges or universities that give their students the opportunities we get. Caroline Rush (chief executive of the British Fashion Council) did a presentation on what British fashion is worth to the economy. I represented the FRA to show what the Academy does for students and why setting up more around the country would be worth it and why putting money into the FRA is beneficial for students."
Ed Vaizey, the Culture Minister, and Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, helped launch the "Value of Fashion" report at the House of Commons - a detailed survey of the UK's fashion industry that was commissioned by the British Fashion Council (BFC) and put together by Oxford Economics, a well-respected and long-established provider of economic analysis.
The study concludes that the fashion industry is now worth £21 billion a year to the UK economy, and as much as £37 billion when its wider contribution is taken into account, including tourism and related businesses.
The report also found that the fashion business, which is the 15th largest industry in the UK, directly employs 816,000 people, making it the second biggest employer.
The British Fashion Council's chairman, Harold Tillman, who has even more of a vested interest in the success of British fashion as he is also chairman of Jaeger and Aquascutum, hopes that the report will give the Government the impetus to invest more in the fashion business: "Fashion is a great British success story and this landmark piece of research underlines its true scope and economic impact. This is just the first step to creating a detailed national action plan for the industry which will help to support its future growth and success."http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/27/value-of-fashion.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:34:18 +0100The Fashion Retail Academy held the first of its masterclasses this week for the newly enrolled FRA students. Retail Trust Chief Executive Nigel J L Rothband was the first speaker.
Nigel regaled students of his 35 years in the retail sector encompassing bhs, Top Shop and more recently the Body Shop, whose products he was giving away as prizes for those who contributed to the 'class' in some way. The result was a happy bunch, many of whom were queuing up offering their services to take part in the Retail Trust Treks & Challenges, but more importantly, with the Helpline number – 0808 801 0808 – in their head in case they need the support of the Retail Trust throughout their studies AND their career
Nigel spoke of his pride in managing the flagship Top Shop store in Oxford Circus and of being fortunate enough to work with the late Dame Anita Roddick. He left the groups by sharing snippets of advice given to him by other retail leaders like Rob Templeman and George Davis, as well as sharing his own advice to further their careers.
The Retail Trust and Fashion Retail Academy will be working on a series of projects together in the coming year... Watch this spacehttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/26/back-to-school-for-nigel-rothband.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:31:31 +0100Places are still available at the Fashion Retail Academy to start NOW and kick start your career in fashion. The FRA provides truly vocational courses that lead to real jobs.
Places currently available on:
Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Retail (duration 1 year, age 16+, no formal qualifications)
Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail (duration 1 year, age 17+ 5 GCSEs including Maths & English with grade C or above)
National Diploma in Art & Design - Fashion Clothing (duration 2 years, 4 GCSE's with grade C or above or equivalent in fashion through experience and/or course certificates)
Level Higher Certificate in Fashion Retail - Merchandising (duration 1 year, 4 GCSE's including Maths & English with grade C or above, 1 A Level grade C or equivalent in Business or Fashion)
Do not delay - apply todayhttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/25/fra-places-still-available.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:27:51 +0100The Fashion Retail Academy Awards Ceremony took place on Tuesday, 6th July and was attended by Sponsors and retail industry big hitters — Sir Philip Green (Owner of the Arcadia Group), Sir Stuart Rose (Chairman of M&S), Terry Green (CEO of Tesco Clothing) and Andrew Varley (Executive Director of Next), along with many other business leaders in the fashion retail industry.
Special guest Lisa Snowden, who wore a beautiful cream M&S dress from their Autumn collection, presented two prizes, the most Commitment Student of the Year Award was presented to Toby Milroy who has studied at the Academy for three years — a very popular choice with the students!
The FRA has gone from strength to strength since it opened 5 years ago with 62 distinction students this year compared to 32 last year.
According to recent reports in the papers, there are 70 graduates chasing every job, but already 60% of this year's graduates from the Fashion Retail Academy have secured jobs in the industry and we have 40 students going on to University.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/24/lisa-snowdon-presents-fashion-retail-academy-awards.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:24:48 +0100On Wednesday 19th May, the Foundation degree students were invited to Whiteleys in Bayswater. Ellen Lewis of Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) and Brian Macshane, the Retail specialist, introduced the students to the concept of Pop-stores in a shopping mall environment.
We were able to see an empty unit and learn about the key operational issues involved in opening a shop as well as visiting the different pop-up shop concepts already trading. Following Terry Green's morning presentation on leadership and Tesco's branding, the students were able to experience first hand the challenges of fashion management in today's challenging environment. JLLa have offered the chance to enter a competition for marketing ideas to promote the Pop-stores and the students will be thinking creatively about fashion PR and promotions.
In the afternoon, Sir Stuart Rose gave a Masterclass on his Retail experiences and encouraged everyone to enjoy the retailing opportunities available through the Fashion Retail Academy.
The next day, David Walker-Smith, Buying Director for Beauty and Menswear and Harvey Sutton, Head of Events, both from Selfridges presented a Masterclass at the FRA to level 4 Buying & Merchandising and Level 4 Visual Merchandising students.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/23/trip-to-whiteleys.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:20:49 +0100Sir Philip Green welcomed Leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, along with his wife Samantha and George Osborne to the FRA on Friday, 23rd April 2010. Sir Phillip Green gave an impassioned speech telling the story of his rise from small shopkeeper to billionaire, and then going on to really lay into the waste he sees in the public sector.
Sir Philip pledged his support for the Conservative Party, he said he believed that Mr Cameron and his shadow chancellor "understand what needs to be done. They get it."
"It is not my job to say vote blue, red or yellow," he told over 150 FRA students ahead of a speech by Mr Cameron. "But a takeover of GB plc is going to happen on May 6. There is a very clear position on the left and the right. I cannot envisage that we would take over a company on May 6, 2010, find it broken and say 'that's a bit fragile at the moment, we are going to leave it and put a sign in our window that we are going to put our prices up'. But that's what's on offer".
"What we need is a clear strategy. We cannot leave it as it is," he added.
Sir Philip was joined by a number of leading figures from the retail world including Charles Dunstone, the founder of Carphone Warehouse; Simon Wolfson, chief executive of Next; Sir Stuart Rose, the executive chairman of Marks & Spencer; and entrepreneur Richard Caring.
Comparing the task facing the next Prime Minister to taking over a company, he said there were real savings to be made. "There is a fundamental difference between cost cutting and efficiency."
Sir Philip went on to cite the example of a multi-millionaire friend who had just qualified for the winter fuel payment of ’250, plus ’250 for his wife. Brandishing a letter sent to his friend, he called on Mr Cameron to make the benefit means-tested. Mr Cameron rejected the idea during a question and answer session after his speech.
Mr Cameron told students, VIPs and the press "We understand business. Respect for business is hardwired into our DNA." He added: "You don't have to tell me how important the fashion industry is - it employs my wife."
After the speeches FRA students put questions to David Cameron and the World Congress Students, unfortunately unable to go to Berlin due to the volcanic ash cloud, had the opportunity to meet Mr Cameron and his wife.
In a letter received after the visit from David Cameron he said:
"It was a privilege to see at first hand the superb work you have been doing there and to meet some of your excellent staff and students. I thoroughly enjoyed the question and answer session. It was a great pleasure to field questions from such engaged young people."
Sir Philip had the vision and implemented a strategy to develop the Fashion Retail Academy, the first National Skills Academy to be opened in the UK in September 2006, backed by some of the big names in fashion retail - The Arcadia Group, Marks & Spencer, Next and Tesco.
It really is the unique combination of retail business and fashion education that makes learning at the Fashion Retail Academy so rewarding and meaningful.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/22/david-cameron-at-the-fashion-retail-academy.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:15:53 +0100For the second year running students on a Retail Diploma Course at Krager VGS in Norway spent three days at the Fashion Retail Academy experiencing a selection of subjects from our Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Retail.
Here the 16 and 17 year old students are being introduced to Visual Merchandising by creating a window design. The third photo shows the finished window designs
We hope to welcome our Norwegian friends to the Academy again in 2011.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/21/visitors-from-norway.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:09:02 +0100The Fashion Retail Academy Careers Day held on 21st April 2010 provided a unique opportunity for all FRA students to meet key retailers from the fashion retail industry.
Some real opportunities were available in the form of part time and full time jobs, internships and further work placements, plus a chance to meet retail brands like Figleaves, Harvey Nicols, Hobbs, Levi, M&S, Next, RHR, Tesco, Calvin Klein (Warnaco), Toast, Whistles and the Arcadia Group to find out what employment options there will be when students graduate.
Francesca Notaro, Retail Liaison Manager at the FRA said "It was a fantastic day all round and wonderful for the students and retailers to meet face to face with time for discussions from both sides. The feedback from all concerned has been very positive and most importantly jobs were filled."
Arcadia Group, provided invaluable careers coaching throughout the day. Linda Summerall, Group Resourcing Manager at Arcadia commented, "The careers day was a fantastic opportunity for us to talk to the students about their future career plans. The career coaching sessions were very popular, allowing students to have individual time with members of our HR team. We also ran presentations throughout the day which raised awareness of the wide range of opportunities on offer, as well as providing some hints and tips to ensure students were prepared for the application process. The students we met had real potential for a career in the retail industry, and many were on par with the top university graduates who apply for entry level roles at Arcadia."
The Fashion Retail Academy is currently working with over 60 retail leaders in addition to the Academy's core sponsors. Work experience is offered on all the courses and is an integral part of learning at the FRA. In a recent Ofsted report the FRA scored 'outstanding' for retail/industry liaison.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/20/students-meet-with-retailers-at-fra-careers-day.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 15:05:39 +0100After the FRA's success at the World Retail Congress Retail Futures Challenge 2009 held in Barcelona last year, the Fashion Retail Academy was again selected to put forward a team of bright, forward thinking students to represent the UK for this years competition. The Retail Futures Challenge 2010 will be held in Berlin and Student's from all over the world have to come up with a concept for a new brand that represents the city that they are from.
In the initial heats there were three presentations from current students studying at all levels at the FRA with each one being judged by a panel of six including Sir Philip Green, Sir Stuart Rose and Miles Gray from Ben Sherman.
The winning team included three Level 4 B&M students, Helen Glynn, Helena Smith and Jordana Taylor, who came up with the concept for a menswear brand based on existing popular menswear brands, cockney rhyming slang that would initially be developed in the many disused pubs of London. They will be travelling to Berlin in April to defend the Fashion Retail Academy's title and we would like to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck!
To find out more about the World Retail Congress and the other teams that will be competing, please click here
Unfortunately due to the volcanic ash problems, the World Retail Congress: Retail Futures Challenge 2010 has been postponed until later in the year.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/19/world-retail-congress--retail-futures-challenge---fra-team-announced.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:59:21 +0100We have had a fantastic year of success stories with our current students but lest we not forget our past students as well.
Sam Lobban, now 22, was recently named in the top 50 of Drapers 'Next Generation: Rising Stars' feature. Sam graduated from the pilot year of the FRA four years ago and has been going from strength to strength ever since. Now working as a Contemporary Assistant Buyer at Selfridges he has been involved in the launch of the new website focusing on Menswear and Beauty ensuring that all the content and product was just right for this new and exciting venture. Sam has been quoted as saying that he 'wants to go as far as he can in fashion retailing..I've worked hard and I will continue doing that."
Also in our line up of success is Kelly Goss, ex - Level 3, has been recognised as Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year for her fashion label 'Rock N Needle.' You can find out more information on the story here
http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/18/ex-student-success-.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:54:32 +0100Students studying for the Level 4 Visual Merchandising and Buying and Merchandising diplomas were invited to an exclusive Vivienne Westwood fashion show at Selfridges, London. It was the first time that Westwood has presented her Anglomania collection on the catwalk. There was an impressive guest list of celebrities and press and the students were lucky enough to meet Dame Vivienne herself. It was a real honour for students from the Academy to be invited to the event and we thanks Selfridges for their continued support of the FRA.
Three lucky Level 4 students had the opportunity to attend an interview between Colin McDowell the fashion commentator and American fashion designer Alexander Wang at Selfridges, London. The students then attended a champagne reception in the Alexander Wang department.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/17/students-star-struck-at-selfridges-.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:48:10 +0100On the 7th July 2009 the Fashion Retail Academy celebrated its third Graduation Ceremony with students and key members of the retail industry. We are pleased to announce that over three hundred students graduated with 45 students across three levels achieving a Distinction grade.
As with previous years, the guest list for the ceremony was extensive with key players such as Sir Philip Green (Owner of the Arcadia Group), Sir Stuart Rose (CEO of M&S), Terry Green (CEO of Tesco Clothing), and Andrew Varley (Executive Director of Next) as well as new awards presented by Charlotte Hogg from Experian and Nick Hollingworth from Austin Reed. Terry Green re-presented the winners of the World Retail Congress with their awards, providing a new trophy that he had made especially for them.
We were also honoured to welcome to the FRA for the first time Bernd Hake of Hugo Boss and CEO of Harvey Nichols Joseph Wan who commented on the high standard of the students work displayed in the Graduation Exhibition.
Nearing the end of the ceremony, Sir Philip Green announced that thanks to all the students’ hard work throughout the year he had a surprise for the students in the form of a mystery guest. The lecture theatre exploded as Gok Wan stepped out onto the stage to announce the winner of the Student Commitment Award which went to Anne Kelly for her commitment and determination to succeed during her time at the FRA.
Refreshments were once again provided by M&S.
The Award Winners were as follows:
Next Outstanding Student Award: Rachel Hugh
Tesco Outstanding Student Award: Rebecca Jackson
M&S Outstanding Student Award: Kelly Bone
Arcadia Outstanding Student Award: Sophie Hunt
Experian Level 2 Award: Louise Philips
Student of the Year Award: Anne Kelly
Austin Reed Window Competition Winner: Francesca Murphy
Austin Reed Window Competition Runner Up: Demet Kisacikhttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/16/the-fashion-retail-academy-graduation-2009.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:43:52 +0100 
ARCADIA boss Philip Green tried to make light of the turmoil on the High Street, claiming he no longer kept tabs on how much money goes through his tills.
The Top Shop and BHS owner said he "didn't look at ther figures any more". he batted away quiestions over how the retail sector is faring... Read more.http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/14/i-don't-keep-tabs-on-tills--says-green.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:26:59 +0100The Fashion Retail Academy Awards Ceremony was attended by Retail Trust CEO Nigel J L Rothband, it sponsors and retail industry big hitters - Sir Philip Green (Arcadia), Marc Bolland (M&S), Andrew Varley (Next) and Jan Marchant (Tesco), along with many other business leaders in the fashion retail industry.
Nigel Rothband presented the Retail Trust Retail Ambassador Award to Frankie Lee Farmer... Read morehttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/13/retail-trust-ceo-honours-retail-trust-ambassador-at-fashion-retail-academy-awards.htmlTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:19:31 +0100Tony Morgan, Course Director at the Fashion Retail Academy in London - and author of two tomes on contemporary visual merchandising - casts an eye over Arcadia's Spring Windows Read More...http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/11/tony-morgan--course-director-at-the-fashion-retail-academy-in-london-casts-an-eye-over-arcadia's-spring-windows.htmlTue, 05 Jul 2011 14:41:20 +0100Student Look Magazine - Lisa Bennet, 26, worked as a legal assistant for seven years before a work placement with a fashion designer changed her career forever... Read Morehttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/10/student-look-magazine---lisa-bennet--26--worked-as-a-legal-assistant-for-seven-years-before-a-work-placement.htmlTue, 05 Jul 2011 14:35:03 +0100You often hear people say that university isn’t for everybody. It’s often said in a patronising manner and said by people with an academic first class honours degree...
Read full article on www.artslondonnews.co.ukhttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/9/success-minus-the-degree.htmlTue, 05 Jul 2011 13:24:45 +0100Download the Get Smaart London emaghttp://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/8/download-the-get-smaart-london-emag.htmlTue, 05 Jul 2011 13:20:09 +0100Twenty Luxury and High Street retailers attended Careers Day at the Fashion Retail Academy. Their human resources experts were on hand to speak to FRA students about securing jobs on graduating from the Academy in July.
They provided coaching on the application process, practical tips on CV and interview technique and guidance on what careers and vacancies are available.
Amazing... another example of the fantastic opportunities and industry contacts provided to students studying at the FRA.

We had a fantastic day and really enjoyed meeting the students - Lou, Resourcing Manager, La Senza
A lot of students are hungry for work experience which is always good to see - Christopher, Next
Yesterday was very productive for us. I have noted down the two extra students, many thanks - Jennifer, PurplePR
My students really enjoyed the Gap presentation - so did I! - Tony, Course Leader, FRA
http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/news_news/5/careers-day-provides-amazing-opportunities-for-fra-students.htmlThu, 30 Jun 2011 17:09:35 +0100