We Are MA: Fashion

MA Fashion students at NUA develop a signature style and push the boundaries of what fashion means in the 21st century.  Part time student Jaz Instone-Brewer discusses returning to NUA for MA study and where she finds her inspiration.

Can you tell me a bit about your practice and the projects you’ve been working on?

I am a part-time student in my first year. I am currently working on translating Baroque architecture into wearable embroidery suitable for androgynous bridal designs.

Can you tell me a bit about what you’ve been doing since you initially graduated from NUA and your decision to return to study MA Fashion?

I started out studying BA (Hons) Photography, where I made a lot of costumes and sets for my final degree show pieces. After I pursued a career in photography and realised that my passion had been with the clothes I’d been creating, not the photos I’d been taking, I decided to return to study MA Fashion.

How are you finding the transition from BA to MA?

The lack of restrictions is daunting at first. There aren’t structured seminars and lectures every week or every day like there is at undergraduate level. Of course, there is plenty of help and support from the staff, but the fluidity of your timetable is definitely new.

How do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration from architecture and wallpapers a lot of the time. I love embroidery and the old fashion glamour that it creates in a garment. I love the shapes that come out of really intricate stonework and the patterns in stained glass. Nothing modern really, it’s all in the history for me!

What’s been the most enjoyable aspect of your course so far?

The freedom to really go into whatever aspect of the field of study you want. To go from the print lab, to etching into copper, to melting plastics, the machine embroiderer, the looms! Whatever you want to play with is allowed!

What do you like about NUA’s campus and facilities?

I loved it when I came for my BA all the way back in 2011, and the campus just gets better and better. Incredible resources, wonderfully presented and not so big and sprawling that you feel lost. It’s homely whilst being so new!

What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about changing creative direction?

Just do it. It’s really scary, and you think that it’s completely impossible. Money in particular is going to be a driving factor in holding you back from doing what you want to do. But if there is any way of making it work, whether it be doing the course part-time alongside your day job, or downsizing your life or whatever else, this is such a freeing and rewarding opportunity for you to do something that you really enjoy. If you’re passionate about what you do, people get drawn to that.

Find out about MA Fashion