Demitris left Esher Sixth Form College in 2020, determined to pursue his passion for fashion. Since then, he has completed his degree at the University for the Creative Arts, gained hands-on experience working backstage at London Fashion Week, and even had the surreal dream-come-true moment of meeting former Vogue editor Anna Wintour!

Here, Demitris shares his advice for aspiring designers.

Why Esher Sixth Form College?

Esher was local to me, but more importantly, its reputation—I had heard great things from students who had attended before me. When I attended the open day, I knew it was the place for me. The independence Esher offered felt like the perfect stepping stone into adulthood, and the facilities, especially within my chosen subjects, were inspiring.”

When did you know you wanted to go into the fashion industry?

“I have always been fascinated with visual storytelling and Fashion became my medium of choice. It wasn’t a single moment but my passion for clothing, as a form of self-expression, grew throughout my teenage years.”

How did your teachers inspire you?

“My teachers were passionate and had first-hand industry experience, which made learning even more exciting. They knew I wanted to continue in fashion, and they supported me in this, pushed me and helped me to grow as a creative. They gave invaluable advice about life after Esher and guided me through the different fashion career paths.”

What has been your career path since leaving Esher?

“After Esher, I went to the University for the Creative Arts in Epsom and completed an Art and Design foundation year. I then completed my BA (Hons) in Fashion, graduating with a 2:1 in 2024. During my studies, I completed internships with Roksanda and Jenny Packham and worked backstage at London Fashion Week twice as a dresser.

I’m currently building my own, independent fashion practice that explores themes of femininity, surrealism, and fantasy. My most recent collection featured hand-painted fake nails as embellishments, symbolising witchcraft. Balancing creativity with the logistical and financial demands of self-producing a collection. Managing production, promotion, and artistic direction alone requires constant adaptation, but it’s also empowering, and I am learning every day.”

What have been your career highlights so far?

“I worked as an intern with the Roksanda team for three months and helped to prepare for the Spring/Summer 2022 show. I returned the following year to assist during Fashion Week 2023.

I have also interned at Jenny Packham, I helped with the Resort 2023 collection, gaining insights into the intricate design process. I have also had the opportunity to work backstage as a dresser for Adam Frost and Noki fashion shows.

Interning gave me insight into the precision and pace of luxury fashion.”

What skills are essential for working in the fashion industry?

“Resilience, time management, and a willingness to keep learning. Technical expertise is important, but so is effective communication and being able to take feedback.”

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

“Stay motivated, work hard, and never lose sight of your passion. Embrace every opportunity, stay curious and let your creativity evolve naturally, and most importantly, enjoy your time at Esher. It passes quicker than you expect, and you’ll look back on it fondly.”