Tal Shiry
Fashion Consultant and Trend AnalystWhat have you been doing since graduating from LCF?
During my years at college, I worked at D&G, London flagship store in New Bond Street, and I took many responsibilities, because I wanted to learn as much as I could. I trained the sale’s team on styling, dressed mannequins according to monthly themes and advised the Italian buyers on gaps within the clothing range as well as being responsible for sales. When I graduated, I got a few job offers and one of them was to become a model’s agent from one of the top Model Agencies in London. It had nothing to do with my studies but I was willing to explore something new within the fashion industry. So I started working with the agency within the Women’s Division and was responsible on developing the new faces department. It was a great opportunity to expand my network and I have gained a close relationship with some top photographers. However, after a while, I felt that I utilized this job to the fullest and I was keen to find something that would enable me to combine both my management skills and my creative vision.
Back then, buying, seemed to be the only option and I must admit that I was very frustrated about making a choice. I neither saw myself working for a luxury brand, selecting items from an existing product range, nor going through the acceptable “buyer’s career path” within high street brands, where I could be more involved in the design process and make use of my excellent eye for trends. However, I decided not to choose this path because it would have taken at least five years until I could actually make an impact as a senior buyer.
Since I remember myself, I had exceptional eye for detail and everyone kept rewording me for my outstanding esthetics. I was certain I deserve a proper job where I could actually have a say! I strongly believed in myself. Therefore, I decided to contact LCF creative careers and a few recruitment agencies. The funniest thing is that, all the agents highlighted my strengths and advised me to work within a Trend Forecasting company. And that’s exactly what I did! I decided that I am going to learn how to analyse and forecast trends only from the best. So I sent my CV and cover letter to WGSN.com and a few days later I received an email saying they are interested to interview me for a position within the Catwalk Trend Team. I was so excited and literally worked the whole night before on trend analysis presentation to show them my personal views and they offered me to join them straight after the interview! I think it was one of the happiest days in my life!!! Within my job description, I was responsible to identify the season’s key catwalk trends, for a detailed commercial analysis report that was provided to subscribers after every fashion week. These reports are mainly useful for both buyers and fashion designers.
I worked under extremely tight deadlines and sometimes even during the weekends, but I enjoyed every single moment! I had to attend on/schedule shows and interview designers on their inspirations.
After working close with the Catwalk Director I worked with the Womenswear Future Trend Team who are providing trend analysis up to 12 months ahead. We were building inspirational moodboards by searching from the latest international art and design exhibitions, films, music, books, second hand stores and street style. Creating new silhouettes, shapes direction, directional details, highlighting key colours, textiles and styling.
I have gained so much experience and knowledge throughout the years, by working close to so many talented and influential people in London and in the global fashion scene. I decided that I no longer want to be employed by one company and therefore, I became a fashion consultant, who specializes in trend analysis and forecasting. I am currently based in Tel-Aviv, traveling and working internationally on a freelance basis. Enjoying to share with my clients my creative vision and my unique style.
What expectations did you have?
I knew I am the only person I could relay on. I worked very hard throughout the years, especially at college. My final year dissertation won the “Oasis Prize” 2006 which gave me a great confidence ( the judges were from LCF and Drapers magazine). Deep inside I knew I could achieve whatever I want.
What has the transition from your studies to your current life been like?
I was a bit shocked when I graduated as I had really enjoyed studying and suddenly to finish made me feel as though I had to make my own show now. The BA (Hons) Fashion Management offers a wide range of subjects, from buying & merchandising to Finance and accounting. It takes a while to put those skills together and see what you can do with it.
Did you feel prepared?
I took my first fashion course in Central Saint Martins when I was 16. I’ve been working in the industry since I was 18. Yes I felt very prepared. My time at LCF was an amazing experience and I feel very proud to be one of their graduates.
Are there any opportunities you wish now that you had taken?
I have realised that I had not used the university services enough to gain a varied work experience while I was in college, I am thankful for the experience I have gained while working at D&G throughout the years at college, but I would have tried to use my holidays for short interns instead, in order to get a better perspective of the different fields in the industry.
Is there one thing that you would tell a current student that would help them when they graduate?
Get work experience during your holidays. It would give you a better idea to decide what would you like to do when you graduate and also adds more value to your CV. You have to choose carefully who you would like to work for. Because, in the end of the day, you are not the only one who studied your subject, and the only thing that makes you different is the career path that you have chosen for yourself.
