Spotlight on Talent: Anisa Petkar

“Seeing your designs come to life, be photographed for marketing campaigns and then go into store is always very rewarding.”

Anisa Petkar 
Higher National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles

Anisa studied a Higher National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles. After winning the Clothes Show Young Designer of the Year award in 2009, Anisa went on to work as a designer for Timberland, before moving onto C&A.

Whilst she was resitting her A-level exams, Anisa decided turn her interest in fashion into something she could pursue as a career. So she applied to study the subject at Walsall College – a move she describes as “the best decision I ever made”.

“The course explored all areas of Fashion, from trend forecasting, illustration and pattern cutting to portfolio preparation.

The Textiles part of the course helped me to explore different techniques further, from traditional batik printing, to natural dyeing processes and weaving. These skills enables you to understanding the manufacturing processes and drive new innovations forward.”

During her studies, Anisa submitted a design for the Clothes Show Young Designer of the Year award in 2009 and was crowned the winner.

“Winning really gave me the confidence boost I needed to believe in myself. From there, my urge to learn more about Art & Design continues.”

After graduating with flying colours, Anisa moved to London to work as a fashion designer for Timberland – a role that made good use of the skills she developed during her studies.

“The Textiles and Pattern Cutting side of the course made me understand the 3D form a little better. When working for commercial brands, you are often produce 2D designs and send them – most often – in the Far East to be manufactured. It’s difficult to accurately communicate these ideas if you lack an understanding of the 3D form and the manufacturing techniques.”

When her contract with Timberland ended in 2016, moved to Belgium to work for C&A. “Now working for C&A, I feel I can enhance my skills further, designing for a specific product area and also learn to design for a different customer & market.

Seeing your designs come to life, be photographed for marketing campaigns and then go into store is always very rewarding.”