Lily Bluebell – Why I chose to continue my studies at AUB on MA Digital Fashion Innovation

One of the main reasons I decided to continue my studies at AUB was that I hadn’t reached my full potential as a multidisciplinary creative. To achieve my very realistic goals of becoming a world-famous fashionista and general icon, I believe it is important to be educated in all areas of your practice, including the digital landscape. Whether you like it or not, the world is moving towards a new age of tech and digitisation, so why ignore it?

For my Master’s project, I am creating an all-digital non-human modelling agency, marketed towards brands for advertising and commercial use. Basically, I am creating 3D modelled funky alien supermodels as a more ethical and interesting option than all the AI models and digital twins that are currently trending. Think Avatar’s Na’vi mixed with FKA twigs' Eusexua aesthetic and make it fashion!

I am halfway through, and I have already had fantastic opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals and students from areas of the University I had never explored before. For example, I am spending a lot of time in the games department, learning complex software like Unreal Engine, Metahuman, Blender and Daz 3D. Slightly brain-frying stuff, but I am enjoying the challenge!

In my final year of studying Fashion Communication, I created a 300-page publication full of fairytale-inspired styling, photography, graphic design, illustrations and poetry. Check out this previous Student Stories article I wrote last year.

Like most courses at AUB, a Final Major Project spans across two terms, meaning you get double the time to fully research, develop and perfect your project. My Master’s structure is similar; I do one in-depth project over three terms or one academic year with a lot more independence. I really like this because it means I can go down many research rabbit holes and experiment to my heart's content.

Even though postgraduate is an academic step up from undergraduate studies, if you manage your time well, there is still plenty of time to work or to collaborate on extra projects. My main specialism is fashion styling, and I source most of my garments second-hand from the charity shop I have the privilege of working in. I have an extensive portfolio including editorial, commercial, music video, fashion shows and even a couple of award nominations, too. Juggling numerous projects and part-time jobs at the same time gives me that creative drive, I run off momentum.

Collaboration is vital for success in any creative industry, so it only made sense for me to hang around another year and use the many resources and creative minds this campus has to offer. So, my advice to students would be collaborate now. I only started collaborating properly in my third year, but I definitely wish I started in my first year. I even won the AUB x Nicholas Durbridge Collaboration award, including a prize of £250, which went towards a tattoo and some vintage shoes!

I wish all students the best on their projects.

Want to see more?

Please check out my socials for plenty of behind-the-scenes content and some crazy cool visuals:

@lily.bluebell.styling on both Instagram and TikTok.