Ledina Zhang

Name: Ledina Zhang (China)
Course: BA (Hons) Fashion
Institution: Northumbria University

"I originally wanted to study fashion design in France, not the UK, because I thought Paris was the global centre of fashion. But I realised that was wrong – the UK is where you find the top designers. I knew the school of design at Northumbria University had a good reputation and that is why I elected to study there.

"In addition to the high-quality teaching, I got real benefit from the expertise of visiting designers and other specialists. I visited the Calvin Klein and Armani design studios, and Roberto Cavalli did a wonderful presentation to us during my first year of study about his life in fashion in New York. I remember that, as I was leaving, he asked me to take an apple, because it represents New York.

"I also gained valuable experience through working on projects that were set up for us by major fashion companies. I think the fashion courses offered in the UK are better than they are in other countries. The study content seems more thorough and the links with the industry are strong, so the course content is up to date.

"For my final project – for Graduate Fashion Week – I created my own square-cut, one-seam oversized knitwear. It was brash and bright, and inspired by post modernist architecture, especially the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which is surrounded by colourful tubes. I’m now hoping to gain work experience with UK fashion houses. I also plan to expand my Ledina Zhang label, which I launched in Beijing this year and which sells menswear, womenswear, knitwear and accessories. I hope to take it to Australia and eventually the UK."