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  • Writer's pictureGwennan Jones
    • Aug 26
    • 5 min read

IFP: Final Thoughts

Introduction

As a final check-over before submission, I decided to compare my outcomes to the learning objectives to assess my success in the IFP.


Final Thoughts 

In correlation with the IRP to the IFP, this project is a clear example of ‘Fashion as Entertainment: The Impact of Digitalisation on the Evolution of Fashion Events’ as the Met Gala is the ultimate expression of fashion as entertainment being nicknamed ‘the fashion event of the year’. Key themes from this study were conspicuous consumption, sexist fashion portrayals, fashion’s desire for theatre and finally the need for collectible physical media as a form of social repository in an increasingly digital world. All of which can be applied to this event in some capacity.


In the ‘IRP Assignment 2: Independent Final Project Proposal / Brief’ I set myself the following objectives:


During this project, I have exceeded expectations of myself through completing the following alongside maintaining the RDPJ and presenting the final outcomes: 

  • Curating the piece so that it tells a tale of the evening.

  • 1 foreword (which I’ve never written before)

  • 1 exhibition overview

  • 2 features

  • A styling segment

  • 2 written profiles

  • 20+ outfit descriptors

  • 8 news pieces 


Assessing Myself Against the Learning Objectives

LO1: Conceptualise and produce a body of work to a professional standard.

  • I utilised professional technical tools to produce the body of work to industry standard, by using platforms like PhotoShop to create moodboards and edit covers, InDesign to put together the publication and Google Docs for writing my pieces and submitting them to a proofreader.

  • I collaborated with professionals across the industry to gain a variation of opinions on certain topics revolving around the common theme of the Met Gala. I connected and performed outreach to each participant, prepared for each interview individually and executed the interviews with professionalism and rigour in order to extract quotes and information to inform my larger body of work.


LO2: Define the personal and professional context of your self-directed project.

  • As the Met Gala is hosted by Vogue magazine, this is a way for me to write in and adapt to writing in the style of this specific publication. This could be submitted as a written portfolio for the company when applying for jobs.

  • This links to my intended career path in the publication industry as I have produced a portfolio of work that showcases my skills as a writer in various formats. Additionally, my background as an intern for Grazia UK and chosen option modules of fashion Journalism and Magazine Publishing & Media Business emphasise this further.

  • I challenged myself by working to industry timeframes in the timed news pieces, writing new forms of writing like a foreword and collating multiple features, outfit descriptors and more.

  • With my research in the IRP, it shows the relevance of my project with the Met Gala being the ultimate expression of fashion as entertainment. Key findings relating specifically to this sub-sector of the industry is with the digitalisation of the media, audiences are becoming overwhelmed with the digital content so are looking for forms of escapist traditional physical media. The success of this project can be reflected in my case study throughout the two modules of the Barbie: The World Tour book becoming a New York Times bestseller. A book about red-carpet looks and a way for audiences to buy into an aspirational brand audience which can be translated to this project. 


LO3: Evaluate final outcomes, explaining and defending work through presentation and critical commentary.

  • I have engaged in critical commentary by consistently referring back to Kolb’s reflective cycle and the learning outcomes throughout posting individual blog posts. This meant I was able to reflect on my results and progress throughout the module.

  • I was unable to visit people or exhibitions in person as most were situated in New York City, so I did virtual tours and online correspondence as a substitute showing my ability to adapt.


LO4: Demonstrate an ability to engage in professional practice through self-management of workload, timescales and deadlines.

  • In the first week of the term, I allocated myself a dedicated calendar to work towards. I have stuck to these deadlines to ensure the body of work is completed to a standard. I have been checking these off week by week.

  • As advised by industry guest Megan Doyle, she advised to give potential participants a deadline when doing outreach. This ensured I had all my quotes to hand at the correct time when formulating my features and written profiles. 


LO5: Effectively utilise problem solving skills to find solutions to more complex issues as they arise.

  • For confidentiality reasons, some interviewees were unable to answer certain questions for privacy reasons. So, I used secondary sources to try and answer my own questions where possible.

  • According to my research on book lead times, it typically takes 6 - 12 months to write a book. I had to create a 226 page book in 10 weeks showing immense time management skills (Workmind blog, n.d.).

  • I underestimated how long it would take to individually go through images and convert them to CMYK and 300 DPI for printing. I made a calendar to manage my time and an image catalogue to shop for pre-referenced images which minimised the workload and shows my organisational working style. 


LO6: Demonstrate the development of specific practical and professional skills required to deliver the chosen project.

  • Time management and organisational skills through content and schedule planning.

  • Visual communication skills (e.g. designing a cover)

  • Editing skills. 

  • Written communication skills. 

  • The ability to work in an editorial environment (e.g. creating flat plans).

  • Verbal communication skills (e.g. presentation, interviews)

  • The ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

  • Willingness to learn new forms of written copy (e.g. writing a foreword).

  • Adaptability (e.g. shown through doing a virtual exhibition tour after being unable to visit in person).

  • The ability to conduct relevant background research to prepare for upcoming endeavours.


LO7: Effectively utilise appropriate design and technology skills required to produce and present a professional body of work.


  • An understanding and application of various forms of written copy.

  • Present editorial content suitable for a Vogue readership, adhering to journalistic styles. 

  • The ability to collaborate and interview industry professionals. 

  • Art direction through curation, photo editing and communicating ideas visually

  • Understanding of graphic design and branding principles to create a brand identity.

  • Technical skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, PhotoShop)

  • Identified opportunities within my chosen sub-sector of the industry.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of historical and contemporary fashion in a wider cultural context with knowledge of the publishing and media business. 


Key Takeaways

  • By consistently referring back to the Learning Objectives, I was able to execute them to a standard.

  • This project has allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills base in my chosen sub-sector of the industry.


Reference List

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