University of Sunderland partners with The Bridges shopping centre

The University of Sunderland has partnered with The Bridges shopping centre to launch the Style Pod so that the university’s fashion journalism students could gain skills in styling and visual merchandising.

The Style Pod is a project completed by the student’s Fashion North team, a media platform run by the university’s fashion journalism students. The pod is a glass case with mannequins featuring the upcoming trends for autumn wear and Christmas wear offered by retailers in the shopping centre.

The project aimed to provide students with hands-on experience by coming up with a theme and working closely with retailers to source accessories, clothing and other props for the Style Pod.

Samantha Czwordon-Auld, marketing and communications manager at the Bridges, said in a statement: “The Style Pod is a great way for customers to see a full outfit put together, rather than just on a hanger, and the Fashion North team have done a brilliant job so far.

“Not only does the styling challenge help them (the students) progress on their course but we hope it also gives them some unique experience working within a real retail environment, with skills they can carry beyond their studies.”

Liz Lamb, deputy programme leader of the fashion journalism course, commented: “The fashion journalism programme at the university has always had really strong links with industry and the styling challenge at the Bridges is a great example of this.

“Not only do our students get to experience styling for a retail market, alongside developing their skills, but they are also able to make contacts with key marketing staff too.

The next Style Pod will be launched in February 2022.

Photo credit: University of Sunderland