Navigating the Fashion Industry: Insights from Charmain Gyles-Ferguson at Istituto Marangoni, London.
In the bustling heart of fashion education at the Istituto Marangoni, a renowned university that breathes life into aspiring fashionistas there was an event that stood out from the rest—a ‘Careers Employability Panel’ discussion featuring, among others, Charmain Gyles-Ferguson, the Founder & MD of Outside The Box Recruitment. As a beacon of knowledge in the fashion industry, Charmain was invited to contribute to the event because of her deep well of industry experience so she could offer tangible, real current advice that the students could act upon immediately and ideally improve their chances of success when entering the world of work.
Throughout the evening, the event was a reminder that a great education is often not enough, it is a great foundation but there is so much you can learn from experienced industry professionals who have literally “been there and done that”.
The panel, from left to right.
- Yasmine McDougall Sterea(Alumni) – CEO of Free Free
- Anna galley O’Neil – TalentAcquisition partner at Yoox Net-A-Porter
- Daniel Peters– Founder of Fashion Minority Report
- Chairman Gyles-Ferguson– Founder & MD of Outside The Box Recruitment & Consultancy
Charmain’s expertise was well received, as she eloquently spoke about the art of crafting a compelling CV. To her, a CV is not just a document but a canvas that represents not only your academic achievements and work experience but also your personality. She emphasized the importance of showcasing both aspects to stand out in the competitive fashion industry job market.
Charmain’s expertise was well received, as she eloquently spoke about the art of crafting a compelling CV. To her, a CV is not just a document but a canvas that represents not only your academic achievements and work experience but also your personality. She emphasized the importance of showcasing both aspects to stand out in the competitive fashion industry job market.
Charmain stressed the significance of research before stepping into the interview room. “Knowing the brand you are interviewing for is crucial,” she said, her words resonating with the eager audience. “Your appearance and demeanour should align seamlessly with the brand’s ethos. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about embodying the brand’s culture.”
She cautioned against the perils of talking excessively, emphasising the power of concise and direct communication. “Listen and answer the questions asked of you, and a smile always helps” she advised.
As the discussion shifted gears, Charmain turned her attention to a topic close to her heart — diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry and emphasised the positive changes she has witnessed over the years.
What really resonated, was her dedication to the students. Long after the panel discussion had ended, she spent over an hour speaking directly with individual students. Each question, each concern was met with patience and wisdom. Charmain’s genuine interest in their aspirations left an indelible mark on everyone she interacted with.
For the students of Istituto Marangoni, Charmain Gyles-Ferguson became more than a panellist—she became a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration. In her, they found a wealth of knowledge about the fashion industry.
As the event concluded and the students dispersed, the hallways of Istituto Marangoni buzzed with excitement. The words of the panellists had ignited a spark, a newfound determination among the students to craft their paths in the world of fashion. They had found a beacon of hope and guidance, illuminating their way toward a future filled with creativity, passion, and endless possibilities.
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A few words about the article authorDwayne Ferguson is Head of Digital at Outside The Box Recruitment.
