Style and substance: fashion students take the mic and host industry leading voices

Fashion students covered everything from self-confidence to sustainability as they hosted a new podcast and Fashion Friday live event with special guests.

Fashion students from Capital City College (CCC) hosted a new podcast and Fashion Friday live event panel session, kicking off the college-based series in conversation with fashion professionals. Fashion Friday is a series of events and podcasts at CCC which invites students to explore various aspects of the fashion industry. 

The inaugural podcast, which was recorded at the King’s Cross campus and the following Fashion Friday live event, welcomed guests Carol Hayes, Managing Director of London-based style agency Carol Hayes Management, along with model mother-and-daughter duo Zita and Courtney Soanes.

The guests were interviewed by Morayo Lydia Banjoko and Maud Tatham, both of whom are currently studying Fashion courses at CCC, and the podcast was directed by CCC students Matthew Smith and Evelin Rincon Marin.

During the podcast, hosts Morayo and Maud put a number of insightful questions to their guests, encouraging them to share their fashion stories and insights with listeners. Carol, Courtney and Zita started by discussing how they got into the industry, with Zita returning to modelling after a number of years. They mentioned the importance of self-confidence, resilience and determination when working within the highly competitive sector.

The guests also discussed Fashion Week, with model Courtney talking about the creative and organisational differences between Fashion Weeks in London, Milan and Paris. She also offered a comparison of working on commercial brand shoots and doing editorial work, talking about the benefits and restrictions of each type of project.

Carol, whose agency represents stylists and make-up professionals as well as the fashion consultant and TV presenter Gok Wan, shed light on the process of creating original editorial pieces for magazines while also emphasizing the importance of supporting fashion publications. She talked about the need for students to be proactive, use initiative and seek out work experience opportunities outside of college courses – and also shared a professional perspective on the importance of being attentive and not getting distracted by devices while working.

The podcast featured a discussion of sustainability, with the student hosts reflecting on how fast fashion remains at the forefront of their minds. The panel discussed the benefits of investing in classic well-made pieces that last and can be repaired, and the challenges of developing an individual style in the face of multiple simultaneous trends. They also talked about the benefits of experiencing, appreciating and purchasing fashion items in the real world as opposed to online. Guests were also invited to share their thoughts of the impact of AI on advertising within fashion, as well as exploring AI in the context of balancing commercial viability and creativity.

During the Q&A session, the student hosts had the opportunity to share some of their own experiences of fashion and identity. We caught up with them afterwards to learn a little more about them.

What did you like about today’s event?

Morayo: I think what I loved about today is just seeing the enthusiasm from other younger creatives and being able to really bond with them about the struggles that we’re having, showcasing our work out there, but also feeling really empowered by people who are known in this industry. […] it kind of gives me the inspiration, and like the push to go out there and get people to know me.

What do you plan to do after you’ve finished your course?

Morayo: After this, I’m leaning towards a one-year course in merchandising and buying. I could do uni after but I really want to get experience.

My perfect job would be for people to hire me to make looks for them – to go out and find new things that might suit them. That would be my dream, a mix of design and styling bespoke outfits just for people.

Maud: My end goal is to be a designer. I’ve been surrounded by fashion my whole life, my parents worked in it, so it’s been really front and centre for me. I think I’m taking a gap year and then I want to go to uni and do womenswear.

Who’s your favourite fashion designer? 

Maud: I think John Galliano’s designs are magnificent. I would say my favourite brand is Marni –  their older stuff more than the newer stuff. I would say it’s quirky and original and I’m also a person who enjoys the 60s and that style – I think it really reflects a modern takeover.

The students were supported by staff members Ken Synnott, Work Placement Coordinator, Dominic O’Farrell, Technology, Innovation and Infrastructure Manager, and Julie Gilespie, Curriculum Manager, who said: “Our student presenters did a fantastic job leading the discussion – asking insightful, relevant questions that sparked thoughtful conversation about the fashion industry, career pathways, AI and creative resilience. It was a truly inspiring session that brought together education, industry, and fashion.”

Our Fashion Academy has strong industry links, providing plenty of opportunities for students to be inspired by and learn from professionals, and to gain valuable hands-on experience. If you have an eye for fashion and are keen to be at the cutting edge of creativity, take a look at our range of Fashion courses and apply today.

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