3rd November 2020

Meet the fashion graduate working with the stars

We love hearing about what our former students are getting up to after college and recently caught up with a graduate who is making a name for himself in the fashion industry.

Ben Mak, from Walton, graduated from our BTEC course in Fashion and is now working as a designer for some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Vivienne, The Spice Girls and British Vogue. He now has some very impressive credits to his name and has had work appear in TV shows such as Ru Paul’s Drag Race, the X Factor, the National Television Awards and more. Here’s what Ben had to say about his time at The City of Liverpool College:

What did you enjoy about college?

I had amazing tutors. Pauline especially really helped me discover how far to take design by not holding me back creatively – making ‘horned trousers’ for instance. Pauline didn’t think twice in helping me get my idea to reality, which then debuted on the World’s biggest catwalk.

Did you feel supported by tutors, college staff and other students?

Yes, I received the right amount of tough needed to prepare me for the less sensitive approach you get at university. This is important to grasp, it’s not like college and can be a shock.

What did you enjoy about the course?

I had my own vision so my relationship with tutors was most important, and I felt you could be yourself around them. The nurturing environment is crucial to your development as a designer/artist.

How do you think college prepared you for a career in fashion?

My tutor always enveloped my visions with respect and encouragement, she came to my first show ‘Cutthroat Couture’ which was a double sell out. That was a special moment for me, and your tutor being there really helps you to believe in yourself.

Could you tell us a bit about what you’re doing now?

I’m currently working with Saddlers Wells and the BBC on an exciting design project. I have two TV shows that I’ll be appearing on, I’ve started an exciting enterprise ‘Intern Intervention’ which brings lots of benefits to students and institutes across the UK, and today I’ve landed a shoot with my amazing creative partner of five years The Vivienne, for photographer Rankin.

What have your career highlights been so far?

I’ve really enjoyed taking on design interns and teaching them “I Matter Mind Set” with emotional and mindset tools I learned training with top therapists and speakers. It’s the biggest gift being able to empower and deliver lifelong tools to the new wave of creatives that will help to develop their mental, and emotional strength.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about starting college?

It’s all about mindset:

1. Make gratitude lists daily!
2. Train your inner voice to praise all your efforts.
3. Know your top 5 qualities at lightning speed.
4. Adopt a can-do attitude.
5. Collaborate, spot potential, work at it.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Ben for taking the time to talk about his experiences and wish him all the best with his future career in fashion.

To browse our fashion, art and design courses, please click here.