Kim Giangiuli
Last week Graduate Fashion Foundation spent the week with Kim Giangiuli, the Senior Director of Creative Talent at Ralph Lauren touring five host UK universities.
Whilst on the trip, Kim shared her top tips for a perfect CV and Portfolio!
PORTFOLIOS:
Attention to detail - every single element
Does the typography reflect the collection e.g. military-style would have a stenciled, black typography - luxury collection - font reflects
Ensure that you pay attention to the outside of your portfolio as much as the inside - no plastic black covers it the first thing that people see that represents you. Even if it’s just your name that is consistent with the creative throughout the portfolio
Ensure a cohesive aesthetic throughout
Consider the paper choice - make sure it reflects the collection aesthetic - doesn’t always have to be crisp, white copy paper
Make it tactile - have samples, fabric swatches, not just a flat printed page
Technical Illustrator Flats are critical! - ensure they are accurate. Proportions = have topstitching on the flat sketch. Down to the bar tacks. Buttonholes - everyone draws the button without the buttonholes - you’ll just get a snap. Belt loops - have topstitching. Consider every element!
Get lots of garments and lay them out - how are they constructed. Look at lining, look at the front view and what can you see from the back of the garment - can you see the ties, the hem, capture everything.
Whatever you need to tell your story and get the message across - edit! Make sure it is cohesive - get someone else to look at it - does it make sense?
CVs:
One page only (not both sides!)
Focus on the big picture - interviews are for the detail
Name - big and bold so it doesn’t blend into the rest of the CV
Samples of your Work; Portfolio Link, Website Link if you have one (Make sure they are consistent and cohesive)
Most recent education first - Just University and A-Levels
Attention to detail - substantial paper quality - you are in a creative field. Shows you have thought everything through.
Personal Statement = Keep it to 1-2 sentences maximum. Big picture only!
Steer clear of word documents - ensure it is visually pleasing!
Avoid illustrations, it can be distracting. Save it for the portfolios.
Skills in bullet points.
Think of Instagram - if you see a great picture with a succinct, short sentence it works. If it is paragraphs long you scroll through - the same with cvs.
INTERVIEW TIPS:
Research the brand!
Go to the store - who is shopping there? What other bags do they have? What is their age, do they have kids, what are they buying? Spend time there and understand the shop, the brand, the consumer.
Look at the fixtures, understand the brand - listen to the music. Get under the skin of the brand.
Good Luck!
