I hail from a business family from Delhi. I developed an interest in the fashion industry while growing up and graduated in bachelor’s in fashion technology from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Jodhpur. When it was time for my master’s, I decided not to choose fashion management as I wanted to blend in my inherited management skills with my passion for the world of fashion —a master’s in fashion management would have considerably narrowed my scope of growth. Instead I decided to explore Luxury Brand Management, a field which inculcates a wide range of skill sets, thereby leading to a variety of career prospects.
I came across MA Design: Luxury Brand Management offered by the U.K.-based University of Southampton. The university’s excellent rankings in all the major league tables compelled me to explore it further. The Winchester School of Art, which hosts this programme, is one of the U.K.’s leading art and design institutions and an international centre for ideas and innovation, having a long history of 150 years. Moreover, being a Russell Group University, at Southampton, the focus is laid on research-based learning.
Luxury brands are one of the fastest growing areas of global business and opting for this programme has widened my prospects in the industry. It has provided me with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in the management of complex luxury brands. Moreover, I have developed an appreciation of how these brands have evolved over time. The programme has introduced me to various dimensions of the luxury world, all the while building upon the principles of creating and developing these brands. The course delves into a range of premium industries, including fashion, perfume, jewellery, the finest hotels and exclusive clubs, yachts and high-end automobiles. It has enabled me to develop a strong foundation in luxury brand equity, portfolios, co-branding, brand extensions and the management of brand heritage, thereby, enhancing my skills in the strategic management of this business.
Learning through travel
This course has provided me with the exposure which has opened up multiple pathways for me. The study trips to the Ritz, London and Le Meurice, Paris, gave me a unique perspective of the luxury hospitality industry. Moreover, the exploration of luxury brands in London and Paris offered a stark contrast between the luxury industries of both countries. The projects to examine and determine the impact of BREXIT on the luxury brands in the U.K. and critically analysing the marketing strategies of Tiffany and Co’s jewellery segment have been the highlights of my work, so far.
From enjoying football matches and singing at karaoke nights to meeting other students at events and society meets, the time spent here so far has been an enriching experience. The university common room is the best place to hang out in the campus.
Being able to enjoy live football action at the Saint Mary’s has been a major highlight of my stay here. Apart from that one can enjoy movies at the Odeon Cinemas, try their hands at bowling at TenPin, relax at the Ocean Village near the docks or hang out at the West Quay Mall.
The knowledge gained during my course has enabled me to analyse exclusive fashion brands and has given me an insight into the luxury apparel industry. The biggest USP of the university is its ability to accept unique and unorthodox ideas, and the optimum use of secondary research. It is a place where creation happens and theory takes a back seat.
Drishey Valecha is studying Luxury Brand Management from the University of Southampton