Earlier this year, I had the invaluable opportunity to spend three months on secondment in Bangladesh, supporting Design and Product Development across Jersey, Denim, Tailoring, and Outerwear at Vogue Sourcing.
As a Designer, I’ve always been driven by the intersection of creativity and function, this experience brought that to life in compelling and tangible ways.
Though based in our Dhaka office, my hybrid role allowed me to engage across the entire development process. From visiting partner factories and showrooms to working closely with mills, each interaction deepened my understanding of the supply chain and enriched our product strategies.
I also collaborated closely with all teams from Quality Control and Operations, to Development. Gaining insight into their daily challenges and innovations gave me a fuller picture of production and highlighted how design decisions can be better aligned with practical realities on the ground.
A key focus of the secondment was improving workflow between our UK and overseas teams. Through on-the-ground collaboration, we streamlined communication, simplified handovers, and worked toward greater consistency to ensure a smoother, more unified design process.
Beyond the professional growth, the secondment was personally transformative. I forged strong relationships with colleagues and partners, expanded my industry network, and experienced Bangladesh’s rich culture, particularly during the month of Ramadan. The warmth, generosity, and sense of community were both humbling and inspiring.
This experience was more than a career highlight, it was a journey of growth and learning. As I rejoin the UK team, I return with fresh ideas, deeper insight, and a stronger commitment to thoughtful, impactful design.
