For Fanshawe Fashion Design student Thao Nguyen, studying in one of the world's fashion capitals was the opportunity of a lifetime.

'My friends and I were talking about it. We should go travelling or study abroad together because we are fashion designers. We need to see what's happening in the world,' Nguyen said.

London, England, known for its dynamic fashion scene, emerged as their best option.

'We had various options: Brazil, LA, UK. England was the best for us because we were looking for a country that speaks English and has a fashion week,' Nguyen explained.

During a six-month exchange at Solent University in Southampton, Nguyen participated in Graduate Fashion Week (GFW), an event that brings together graduates, fashion educators, and industry leaders from across the UK to support and encourage the next generation of designers. At GFW, Nguyen volunteered as a model dresser.

'When you dress up the model, you get a deep look at the garment, take a look at details, how they do the texture, how they make the pattern, like make the silhouette and everything. It's so amazing,' Nguyen enthused.

This hands-on experience immersed her in the fast-paced fashion world, allowing her to sharpen her communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of fashion show production. At the same time, Nguyen got the chance to meet industry professionals who have opened doors to future connections and possible collaborations.

'The Graduate Fashion Week is organized by the same team behind London Fashion Week,' Nguyen explained.

Another of Nguyen's memorable achievements in Southampton was winning first place in an upcycling design competition. The challenge required participants to transform old, unusable garments into something entirely new.

'They give us a garment that is not that used. You cannot wear it anymore. And then somehow, you mix them, mix them up and then create new things from scratch,' Nguyen explained. Winning the competition felt like a dream come true for Nguyen and was also featured in the local newspaper.

The intense schedule of these two significant events, Graduate Fashion Week in June and the upcycling competition in May, was challenging for Nguyen.

'It's pretty stressful... literally, I had no gap between the two events,' said Nguyen, who balanced her schoolwork with preparation for the competition, showcasing her dedication and commitment to her craft.

Nguyen credited much of her growth to the mentorship of her UK professors.

'They push us beyond our capacity. They put me outside the box because we are in a very creative industry, so we should not stay safe,' Nguyen stated. Although their high standards sometimes felt daunting, Nguyen is grateful for the experience. 'I feel so grateful because, in the end, eventually, I feel like our work is fantastic.'

For students considering a similar path, Nguyen offered some practical advice.

'They should prepare the paperwork beforehand because it will be very stressful. As an international student, I had to apply for a visa.' Nguyen also emphasized the importance of being open-minded and persistent. 'You never give up. Be open-minded because there are many opportunities out there waiting for you.'