Gemma Deadman's Portfolio

ABOUT ME I am a dedicated, enthusiastic and hard working BA (Hons) Fashion Management Graduate who studied at Nottingham Trent University, striving for a successful career within the Fashion Industry. As a creative individual with a passion for textiles and design, I am enthusiastic about gaining hands-on experience and am committed to delivering my best in every task. I am eager to learn and develop new skills to contribute effectively to my role.

FASHION BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COLLABORATIVE PRESENTATION In my final year at university, I participated in the Nottingham Re-imagined project, a live collaborative assessment where our team had just two weeks to pitch a new brand concept to Nottingham’s high street, in front of industry professionals. This project was an opportunity to not only apply theoretical knowledge but also to experience the fast-paced, real-world challenges of the fashion and retail industry. Our team chose to introduce Jimmy Fairly, a stylish eyewear brand known for its luxury and innovative designs. The concept we developed focused on transforming the local eyewear market by offering a highly personalised and cutting-edge customer experience. Key to our approach was integrating advanced technology with a unique in-store journey, which would set the brand apart in the competitive landscape.

To ensure that our ideas were practical, sustainable, and financially viable, we conducted both primary and secondary research, analysing competitors, market trends, and consumer insights.

Our approach to the project considered the current market dynamics in Nottingham and sought to provide a compelling retail experience that would resonate with local customers. I am proud to say that I received a First-Class grade for this project, reflecting the dedication and teamwork that went into developing a strong, innovative concept. The project was a great learning experience, and it helped me to further hone my skills in market analysis, brand development, and customer experience strategy.

BUYING, MERCHANDISING & PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY REPORT In my second-year Buying, Merchandising & Product Technology module, I worked on a paired assessment where we were tasked with creating a professional business report in InDesign, taking on the roles of a buyer, merchandiser, and product technologist. This was a LIVE project with the brand Lands’ End. Our report included a comprehensive analysis of the brand and its current range, consumer insights, international markets, competitors, a SWOT analysis, range development and progression, trend research, visual range plan and analysis, as well as an Excel range plan and merchandising pack. We then presented our findings back to the brand.

This project allowed us to demonstrate our understanding of the global fashion environment in a commercial context, applying skills relevant to the roles of fashion buyers, merchandisers, and product technologists. I was proud to receive a 2.1 grade for this report, completed alongside my team. These are some pages from the report:

FASHION INDUSTRY CONSUMER PROFILE & TREND FORECASTING ASSESSMENT In my first-year Fashion Industry module, I completed an assessment focused on consumer profiling and trend forecasting. The brief required me to "research and analyse the consumer behaviour and purchasing habits of a target customer for a specified fashion brand/retailer and produce a fashion trend forecasting report for SS23 tailored to that target consumer." My chosen brand was John Lewis & Partners, with a focus on menswear. I researched the SS23 trend of natural, sustainable knitwear and jersey, creating five mood boards and designing five garment CADs for the collection. To complete the project, I utilised Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator, demonstrating my proficiency in these tools. I was proud to achieve a 2.1 grade for this assessment.

FASHION INDUSTRY BUSINESS REPORT In my first-year Fashion Industry module, I completed a business report on a brand of my choice. The brief required me to "research and analyse the various elements of the fashion marketing mix and business management strategies in relation to a fashion retailer or brand, identifying areas for improvement where appropriate." Additionally, I answered questions based on a case study. I chose Levi's as my focus and centred my report on the product and promotion aspects of the marketing mix. To support my analysis, I applied a range of business theories and models. The report was designed and finalised using Adobe InDesign, and I was proud to achieve a 1st-grade result for this assessment. These are some examples of the pages from my report:

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PRODUCT ANALYSIS REPORT In my first-year Product Development module, I completed an assessment where I analysed a children's polo shirt from H&M. The task involved describing the fabric and details, providing garment specification information, and outlining the fibre, yarn, fabric, and garment manufacturing process in the context of the global supply chain. In my report, I demonstrated my understanding of fibre and fabric properties, garment design and construction, product manufacturing systems, processes, costing, and global sourcing. Additionally, I created detailed garment CADs of the polo shirt using Adobe Illustrator. I received a 2.1 grade for this assessment. These are some pages from my report:

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SIP ASSESSMENT In my first-year Product Development module, I collaborated on a paired assessment to create a presentation focused on sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals. The brief required us to "research and develop a sustainable, innovative, and creative solution to a clothing-related sustainability issue, linking directly to one of the LIVE companies involved in the assessment and the Sustainability in Practice (SiP) outcomes." We chose Paul Smith as our brand. Throughout this project, I demonstrated my understanding of sustainability, the global supply chain, and the critical path. As a result, I earned the NTU Sustainability in Practice award, which deepened my knowledge of sustainability, improved my personal practices, and highlighted its importance in the workplace. I was awarded a 2.1 grade for this assessment.

A-LEVEL FASHION & TEXTILES PROJECT For my Fashion & Textiles A-level, I researched, designed, and developed a manufacturing plan for a ballet costume inspired by the suffragette movement. The costume was created for a dancer performing in a show about significant historical movements. It needed to be easy to put on and take off for quick changes, as well as comfortable, flexible, lightweight, and non-restrictive to movement. My process followed a cyclical design approach, incorporating primary and secondary research, product analysis, mood boards, design briefs and specifications, testing, designing, and evaluating. I was proud to achieve a grade B for my A-level work.

YEAR 12 MAKE YOUR OWN FABRIC PROJECT

In Year 12, I created my own fabric by layering cling film and bonding it with a heat press. Using this handmade fabric, along with scraps of recycled materials I had access to, I designed and constructed a sculptural top inspired by the Himalayan Mountains.

The design featured wire swirls extending from the back, adorned with laser-cut leather birds to reflect the natural beauty and serenity of the region.

GCSE DT PROJECT For my Design & Technology GCSE, I was tasked with researching, designing, and creating a product to promote a healthy lifestyle. I designed a versatile dress for my client, a swimmer, to wear to and from the pool, as well as during warm-ups and training on the poolside. The dress was designed to be easy to put on and take off, included practical features like pockets, and had a warm hood to keep her comfortable after swimming with wet hair. I was proud to achieve a grade 6 for this project and my overall GCSE in Design & Technology.

OTHER WORK

Pages from a presentation for a collaboration between Disney's Mickey & Friends and Gymshark for the 100th Anniversary - Includes a pen portrait and inspiration board

Hush SWOT analysis

Trend forecasting - Urban Outfitters SS23 menswear

In Year 12, I was tasked with designing an outfit that combined a specific design style and movement with the work of a designer. I created a suit inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's iconic 'Le Smoking' tuxedo, incorporating elements of the punk movement into the design.

Pen portrait - Ralph Lauren menswear

Trend forecasting - Never Fully Dressed AW22 dresses mood board

Ralph Lauren's best and worst sellers, and must have/key trend item

Excel range plan - Gymshark women's leggings

Trend forecasting - Mint Velvet AW23

CONTACTS

56 CADWELL DRIVE, SL6 3YR

07872611579

GEMMAMD17@ICLOUD.COM

linkedin.com/in/gemmadeadman-159826231