Case studies - Graeme Fidler
Graeme Fidler is Head of Menswear Design at Aquascutum. Here he talks to Shine about getting his big break.
What was the most valuable lesson you learnt from your school days?
The most valuable lesson I learnt from my school days was to work hard and you will achieve your ambition.
When you were at school did you know what you wanted to do for a career?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career although I knew I was above average at mathematics. I was also very hungry to make money, so I thought accounting or even running my own business.
What were you doing before you got into fashion?
I was earning a living by working at the D.S.S and working part time in a bar as a DJ as well as bartending.
How did you get your break?
I went back to college at the age of 21 to study Fashion Design NVQ 2, then I trained at Northumbria University. The course was a 4 year thin sandwich course, so I worked as a tailors assistant throughout.
Why do you think it is important to support young people's talents?
Young people generally find it hard to support themselves therefore require assistance and direction.
Who in your life has helped you to Shine? Who inspires you?
My mother was always an inspiration, then at university a tutor named David Chantry helped me to shine. And of course my wife Fay.
What other talents do you have?
Very few, though I do understand numbers and that is actually becoming more important in my career.
How do you think schools can help young people to develop their ideas and have the confidence to take them forward?
I think schools could and should communicate much more with parents in order to understand together the strength and talent of a child then develop ideas accordingly.
What do you think about the Shine festival of talent? Is it something you would have engaged with if it was available while you were at school?
I think it is really helpful and useful however if the parents are in support I think the chance of engaging the children will be much more likely.
What advice would you give to young people taking part in Shine?
My advice would be to participate in as many activities as possible from sport to music and crafts, I honestly don’t think a teacher will miraculously appear and become an inspiration therefore I think the more you put into to something the more you get out of it, e.g. if you love football and a talent is noticeable then live and breathe football. A teacher will always back a fast horse so the fact is support will always be there once the talent has been recognised. The world we live in is becoming more and more competitive so you have to work at it really hard. Also the sooner you realise you like something you are good at, the further you will go.
