Taylor Wilson

Profile

With no prior experience in fashion or sewing, Taylor started from scratch when she joined our Scottish Borders campus to study Fashion Design, pushing herself to learn everything from the ground up.

This included studying abroad in France, where she developed a deeper understanding of textiles and broadened her creative perspective, before returning to Scotland to apply applied everything she’d learnt to her identity as a designer.

As Taylor enjoys her graduation day, she is preparing to begin an exciting internship in Doha, Qatar, where she’ll be working with women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, bringing her a step closer to a successful career in the industry, and her mum, who also lives there.

What programme did you study and why did you choose it?

I studied Fashion Design because of its strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and industry readiness. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to study abroad and engage in real-world projects that aligned with my passion for fashion as a form of storytelling and activism.

I originally wanted to be an architect as I had a love for graphic drawings. However, I soon realised that I have a passion for storytelling and speaking through my ideas. I always thought that fashion and art was a hobby or a side hustle and never realised the possibilities and opportunities that could come from pursuing fashion.

Can you describe a typical day in your programme?

A typical day involves a mix of studio time, workshops, and lectures. Mornings were usually spent developing concepts or working on garment construction, while afternoons included tutorials, material experimentation, or CAD sessions. Each day felt like a new opportunity to push creative boundaries and apply feedback in real-time.

I spend a lot of time creating mood boards and concept boards to help me understand my ideas before creating designs.

How has the University aided your professional and personal development?

The University gave me a solid foundation in both technical skills and creative thinking. I grew as a designer and as a leader, especially through group projects, competitions, and my innovative fashion collection, ‘skin deep.’ Studying abroad also challenged me to adapt and develop cultural awareness, which will continue to inform my work in the global fashion industry.

I realised life is too short to turn down opportunities that may never come around again. I started Heriot-Watt at the age of 17, fresh out of high school, never had touched a sewing machine in my life and depended on my mum for everything. I’m now close to turning 22 and I’m independent, solo travel, have studied in different countries and am about to start a new adventure in Qatar working with entrepreneurs as an intern.

What’s your favourite / most memorable moment from your time as a Heriot-Watt student?

One standout moment was presenting my final collection, inspired by weather phenomena , at our Graduate Showcase. It was emotional seeing months of hard work come to life, and the positive feedback reinforced my mission to use fashion as a platform for change. It is a surreal moment to sit back and reflect on my work and appreciate my hard efforts.

Can you tell us more about your experience of studying abroad in France?

Studying in France was transformative. I immersed myself in a different creative culture, gained fluency in French fashion terminology, and connected with international students and designers. It expanded my design perspective and inspired new approaches in my work.

I was there for four months where I studied technology and textiles. This was the best thing I’ve ever done, having gained new perspectives on the fashion industry. For me, I became an independent individual, learning a new language in a new surrounding and was able to stand on my own two feet to see the world in a different light.

What advice do you have for current students?

Take every opportunity to collaborate, experiment, and put yourself out there. Your time at university is as much about personal growth as it is academic success. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or try something outside your comfort zone - it often leads to the most growth.

Never doubt yourself. No idea is wrong. No opinion is wrong. Speak up, share your thoughts and opinions, even if they are different to others. If we all had the same opinion, we wouldn’t be unique. You should also try to have the most fun ever! You’ll never get these memories back. While four years may seem like a long time, in hindsight, it’s not.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to continue developing my knowledge to be able to one day create my own brand. I’m planning on travelling to Qatar where my mum has migrated to, where I have an internship lined up working with female entrepreneurs and their brands. I plan to do several internships to be able to gain experience and develop more of an understanding of the fashion industry.