W: Fay Holland I: Kirsten Hart 

Hey, I’m Lee. At 23, I’m currently a second-year Fashion Media & Promotion student at UCSE, but my journey in the industry started long before the degree. For over six years, I’ve been on the ground, working everywhere from retail floors to event supervision and digital marketing. My day-to-day is a high-speed blend of logic and aesthetics: analyzing data, mapping out media plans, trend forecasting, and managing budgets. I didn’t just land here; I spent years exploring different creative paths—from Art & Design to Fashion Textiles—to find where my natural drive truly lived. This exploration opened doors I never expected, from collaborating with The Ragged Priest and managing charity shows for Mind, to my current role as a contributing street style editor for ASBO Magazine.

"I’ve always looked at fashion as a universe of uniqueness that goes against the cis-heteronormative standard."

I’ve never been interested in being the "most interesting" person in the room; I’m far more obsessed with what makes others interesting. I want to know the reasoning behind a person's process and how they react to my work. In my world, ego takes a backseat to growth. One of my biggest irks is a refusal of criticism. As a creative, I believe the only way to exceed expectations is to actively seek the opinions of peers, mentors, and clients. While staying true to your vision is important, I’ve learned that ultimate success comes from being as versatile as possible—knowing exactly when to push your personal style aside to hit a client’s objective.

For me, fashion is more than just clothes; it’s a sanctuary. Growing up in Essex, I initially felt blind-sided by the level of creativity around me, but I took a step into the dark and found my place. I’ve always viewed this industry as a space that elevates those who carry it: ethnic minorities, the disability community, and queer, non-binary, and trans people. As someone who felt they didn't fit into a "traditional" world at a young age, I found my universe here. My creative DNA is undeniably influenced by the visual powerhouses I grew up with—Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Shakira—whose work is permanently planted in my brain.

"I have a hunger to keep pushing. If I'm never 100% content with my work, it's only because I know the next version will be better."

The lockdowns of the past few years provided a strange silver lining: they gave me the time to dissect how I present myself and my work. I spent nights analyzing feedback and refining my craft, realizing that I am rarely "content" with my work—and I like it that way. That hunger is what motivates me through every brief. In an age of social media where sub-cultures are being swallowed by rapid consumerism and saturated trends, the challenge to be innovative is harder than ever. I don’t shy away from trends—they are a massive part of my discipline—but I strive to find the unique "pick ‘n’ mix" within them.

My personal aesthetic reflects this fluidity, often using feminine commodities while presenting through a masculine lens. Most mornings, I decide who I want to be within the first 30 minutes of waking up. However, if there’s an event where I want to be seen, I’ll plan that look for weeks in advance. Whether I’m forecasting the next big shift for a company or styling a street-style shoot, my focus remains the same: staying versatile, staying curious, and staying hungry for what’s next.