Bright future ahead for fashion graduate

Award-winning student and designer Joyce Tan showcased her latest collection on a runway in the fashion capital of the world before returning to Teesside for graduation.

She was one of thousands to celebrate their academic success by crossing the stage at Teesside University’s summer graduation ceremonies.

“I feel happy and excited to be moving into the next phase of my life,” smiled Joyce, who completed the BA (Hons) Fashion Design within Teesside University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries.

“But I am also sad to be leaving because I will miss my lecturers, friends and the University itself, which felt like home. I have made so many beautiful memories while studying at Teesside, and I will cherish them forever.”

The 25-year-old from Malaysia added: “I have a real passion for fashion, which is why I was drawn to this course.

“I entered as a blank slate, and now I’ve come out having developed a wide range of skills, knowledge and ideas.

“Teesside University has helped me tremendously and taught me so much, helping me to explore textiles, fine art and product design as well as fashion.”

A work placement year was embedded within the course, during which time Joyce joined Suzie Turner Couture and OneOff London in Embroidery and Embellishment and Design and Pattern-Cutting internship roles.

Building upon her work within industry, she attended Graduate Fashion Week in London after being named Student of the Year.

Through Teesside University’s partnership with Ferrari Fashion School, Joyce was also invited to showcase a piece from her final major project collection in a special fashion show in Milan.

She followed in the footsteps of successful fashion graduate Harry Tribe, who was selected last year and went on to launch his own creative studio, Tribe Vision.

Joyce said: “Fashion is limitless, so it allows me to express myself and my identity. It’s a dream to have done that in Milan and London – cities famous for fashion and filled with different cultures and history.

“The experiences got me one step closer to my goals and allowed me to connect with other talented and aspiring designers.”

Alongside her studies, conscientious Joyce was a course and school representative, student ambassador, and Vice-Chair of Membership for the University’s Fashion Society.

She won the Ede & Ravenscroft Award in recognition of her academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

To cap it all off, Joyce competed as a finalist at the Adobe Certified Associate UK & Ireland Championship after completing free training offered by Teesside University as part of its work to digitally empower students and staff.

Her advice to students is, unsurprisingly, to make the most of all opportunities which arise at university.

Moving forward, Joyce hopes to immerse herself in the world of haute couture by further establishing her fashion brand.

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