Alumni

Hollie Haughin

Career Path: Seamstress, Burberry & Founder, West Yorkshire Fashion Week
Location: West Yorkshire, UK

Whilst working at Burberry, I wanted to start up West Yorkshire Fashion Week because I realised that fashion opportunities and big platforms are often centred around London. But here in West Yorkshire, we have so much creativity and talent that deserves to be recognised. I wanted to create a stage for local designers, models, and artists - a place where they could shine, gain exposure, and feel part of something bigger. West Yorkshire Fashion Week is about bringing the industry closer to home and showing that our region belongs on the fashion map.

What are you doing now?

I’m working full-time as a Seamstress at Burberry, gaining hands-on experience in luxury fashion production. At the same time, I’m the Founder of West Yorkshire Fashion Week, building a platform that showcases designers, models, and creatives from across the region. My goal is to balance industry experience with community impact, learning from a global fashion house while growing opportunities here at home.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I chose to study at Northumbria University because of its strong reputation in Fashion Design and its focus on creativity, innovation, and industry connections. I wanted to push myself in an environment that challenged me, surrounded by like-minded creatives, while also gaining the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in the fashion industry. Northumbria gave me the confidence and experience to take my passion further.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria University was such an exciting and challenging experience. It pushed me to be creative, to experiment and to really find my own style as a designer. There were times when it was hard work and very fast-paced, but it prepared me for the reality of the fashion industry. I got to work on amazing projects, collaborate with other students, and learn from tutors who had real industry experience. Overall, it gave me the skills and confidence I needed to step into the fashion world.

How connected was your course with industry?

Studying at Northumbria University was such an exciting and challenging experience. It really pushed me to be creative, experiment, and find my own style as a designer. The course was fast-paced and demanding, but it prepared me for the reality of the fashion industry. One of the best parts was my industry placement year, where I gained real-world experience and built valuable connections that gave me a real taste of what it’s like to work in fashion. Overall, it gave me the skills, confidence, and drive I needed to step into the industry.

What was the best thing about your course?

One of the best things about the course at Northumbria was having tutors with real industry experience. They didn’t just teach us from books they shared genuine insights from working in fashion, which made everything feel more relevant and practical. It was inspiring to learn from people who had actually been in the industry, and it gave me a clearer idea of what to expect after graduation.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Northumbria gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my work. That confidence has allowed me to go after what I want whether that was working at Burberry or creating West Yorkshire Fashion Week. The skills I gained were important, but it was that self-belief and push from the course that really helped me achieve my goals.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Pattern Cutting - understanding garment construction and fit. Sewing - developing technical accuracy and finishing skills. Designing - from concept development to final collections. Creativity & Innovation - learning to experiment and push boundaries. Professionalism - working to deadlines and presenting ideas clearly.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Be prepared to work hard, the course will be challenging and fast-paced, but it’s worth it. Experiment and be creative, don’t be afraid to try new ideas and find your own style. Learn from feedback, tutors with industry experience can give you insights that will help you grow. Make the most of opportunities, placement years, competitions, and collaborations can open doors. Build connections, your peers could become future collaborators or colleagues in the industry. Believe in yourself, confidence is just as important as technical skills.