Students gain a sense of fashion thanks to a partnership with Sunderland shopping mall

Fashion Journalism students from the University of Sunderland gain insight into style and visual merchandising when they partner with The Bridges Shopping center to create their own signature look.

The Bridges teamed up with Sunderland BID earlier this year to launch the Style Pod – a large glass case with a mannequin that showcases the fashion retailer’s upcoming trends and offerings at the center.

Some of the latest looks from student fashion include fall looks for the whole family and Christmas party wear. Students are tasked with creating new styles and working with retailers to procure clothing and accessories.

While the project counts in their academic coursework, it also provides the group with hands-on experience and transferable skills for future work.

Samantha Czwordon-Auld, Marketing and Communications Manager at Bridges, believes this is a great opportunity for students.

She said: “Style Pod is a great way for customers to see a complete outfit put together, not just on a hanger, and the Fashion North team have done a brilliant job so far.

“The style challenges not only help them advance on their path, but we hope it also provides them with a unique experience working in a real retail environment, with skills they can carry outside of their studies.”

Liz Lamb, co-director of the Fashion Journalism program and former fashion editor, is delighted the students have stepped up to the challenge.

She said: “The university’s fashion journalism program has always had very strong links to industry and the style challenges at Bridges are a great example of this.

“Not only do our students gain experience styling for the retail market in addition to developing their skills, but they can also make contact with their key marketing staff as well.

“We are very much looking forward to continuing our arrangement with Bridges, and our sophomore students will take up the Style Pod challenge next year as well.”

Each pod view takes about half a day for students to complete. The next style pod is planned for February.