Going Places with Design By EE-Lyn Tan Talent, showmanship and business acumen – that is what it takes to make it big in the design industry, say the experts at Raffles Design Institute. YOU must not only be good in design but should ideally be able to sell your design. That is the philosophy that Raffles Design Institute (Raffles) goes by. Spinelli (left) giving fashion design student Leslie Yong Aik Soon tips on how to make his dress design stand out more. Raffles Design Institute (Singapore) principal and fashion design department programme director Giuseppe Spinelli does, however, acknowledge that not all designers, especially fashion designers, are loud and extroverted people. “Not everyone is as flamboyant as John Galliano (who designs for Christian Dior). “Look at Giorgio Armani, for example. Even though he is renowned in the fashion industry, he is actually a very quiet person. “Sometimes, he won't even come out to take a bow at the end of his fashion shows,” he says. To give students more confidence, Spinelli says he tries to hone their presentation skills. He simulates real life scenarios in his classrooms by having his students present their designs in front of a panel comprising fellow students and lecturers. A question-and-answer-session usually ensues, replicating the actual situation between a designer and the client. “You can say anything you like at this session. There is no such thing as a right or wrong answer. Whatever you say is fine, as long as you can justify yourself,” says Spinelli. Standing out Raffles interior design lecturer Eric Leong stresses the need for designers to stand out from others in the industry. “The design industry is growing rapidly and competition is increasing. It is no longer enough to be good in design. You have to brand yourself and make yourself unique to stand out from others,” says Leong, who is also the host of Malaysia's first interior design television show Casa Impian. He also requires his students to present their designs in front of the class and a panel of lecturers. “Many of the lecturers are established designers in the industry, so it is invaluable for students to listen to what they have to say and to learn from them,” he adds. Raffles strives to create a working environment similar to that of the actual industry so that students can put into practice what they have learnt. In the fashion programme, students are expected to design a collection to be showcased at their graduation ceremony. “There is a lot of planning involved, so students need to start early and manage their time carefully to ensure their collection is ready on time,” says Spinelli. Mistakes help you mature Spinelli also advises students to always have a backup plan. “It is up to you to find a solution when there is a problem. If designs have to be ready, they have to be ready. The client is not going to accept excuses for late designs,” says Spinelli. Making mistakes is okay as long as students learn from the mistake, he adds. “A mistake isn't necessarily a bad thing as it can help students mature. “I always keep this quote in mind: every mistake is fashion and every fashion is a mistake,” says Spinelli, with a laugh. Students, Leong adds, should get some basic knowledge of business. “To be successful, you need to be able to commercialise your product,” he says. Leong, who hopes to eventually create a platform for young designers to showcase their designs, believes competitions are a great way for students to build up their portfolios. Spinelli agrees and advises students that winning is not everything. “Even if you don't win, it doesn't mean that you are not a good designer. It may just be that your designs do not appeal to the current panel of judges,” he says. Both Spinelli and Leong feel that design involves meeting the needs in different people. “In fashion, there is currently a gap in the market for men’s wear,” says Spinelli, adding that children’s wear is another market that is currently booming. According to him, the reason why children's wear is the same price, or even more expensive than clothes for adults is because more work is involved when working with miniatures. “Our hands are bigger than the clothes when we work with miniatures, so more effort is required in stitching and hemming. Children’s clothes also need to be stronger because kids are active and there is more wear and tear.” When it comes to interior design, Leong says, planning the use of space is important. Market research shows that young people today are more willing to spend money and have professionals design the interiors of their homes and offices. “Space has to be liveable, and at the same time, practical and soothing to the eyes,” says Leong, adding that colour and lighting play crucial roles in creating the right ambience. Raffles Design Institute is a contributor to the Star Education Fund. Article @ The Star ... 'Sunday December 2nd, 2007