Fin Rodgers
Study Type: School Leaver Vocational
Study Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Subject Studied: Retail
Fashion student Fin inspired by Vivienne Westwood and rap music
Derby College Group fashion student Fin Rodgers would love to become a creative director in the fashion world one day
Now in the second year of his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business at DCG, he has a conditional place to study fashion art direction at Manchester Metropolitan University in September.
Fin, 18, initially thought of taking a graphic design course at DCG but changed his mind after going along to a college open day with his parents.
He said: “I knew I wanted to do something ‘media-y’ but wasn’t sure what, so had a look around to see what was on offer. I’ve been into fashion since Year 8 so when I saw that Derby College had a fashion course, I just knew that was what I wanted to do.
“There are a bunch of jobs in the industry such as visual merchandising that we based our projects on at college, but my favourite bit has been styling. For one of our projects we had to come up with a men’s fashion capsule and I chose a 1990s/early noughties theme.
“I went for a grunge look and got my best mate to come in to model it. I put a lot of work into it and came out with a good mark somewhere between a merit and a distinction. Going to college has made me more social too than I was at school.”
Fin, who describes his own style as urban, takes a lot of inspiration from underground rap artists, as well as from his favourite designer, Derbyshire-born icon, Vivienne Westwood.
He added: “She was so experimental and wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries of what is mainstream. I’ve got a decent knowledge of fashion brands, but I like random stuff too. I bought a top the other day as it looked like something a pirate might wear.”
And Fin thinks some of his creativity comes from spending time with his grandad.
He added: “He’s very handy and likes working on his motorbike, woodcutting etc. He made me a riveting tool I can use in my fashion work.
“Once I’ve graduated from uni, I’d like to be a freelance stylist or creative director, working on fashion shows etc and choosing and directing fashion brands.”
Going to college has made me more social too than I was at school.