Working as Assistant Designer to Head of Women’s Wear at Victor & Rolf (V & R), at the time of the 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2009, Denise Ho founded a career in high fashion after graduating a BA (Hons) at the University of Brighton and an MA at Central Saint Martins in London.   She went on to work at London’s only couture house Boudicca.  Beginning a relationship with them as an intern during her studies at Brighton, Denise went on to work there for about two years before relocating to V & R in Amsterdam.  Taking characteristics from the Brighton course and coupling them with practical experience of working with boutiques and fashion houses in London, she forged a successful path as a fashion designer and creative consultant.

"Designers such as Boudicca and Viktor & Rolf inspire me. To have a reason for designing clothes. A strong concept, story, a world. This is also something I learned at Brighton and St Martins. My tutor in Brighton, Sue Chowles, really saw potential in me and pushed me to be more creative.   She entered me into the British Fashion Council/Ariel Colour Awards Competition which I won and encouraged me to apply to Central St Martins.’

"Attracted to the creative side of fashion-associated business studies, Denise was interested in how the industry worked and this was key to choosing a suitable college.  The combination of fashion and business studies, together with a vibrant faculty, led her to choose the BA in Fashion Design at Brighton in 1999.

"Urban living coupled with a fresh summery scene was an ideal environment for the beginning of a career within the design industry. As a whole the city of Brighton is a place of great atmosphere, youth and culture.

"After the BA, I went straight to the MA at St Martin’s where I was able to develop, fine tune and focus on my personal creative handwriting.  I then went back to Boudicca where I was involved with design, public relations, sales and production management.  Then went to join V & R as designer for the women’s ready to wear department. 

"Brighton was a great place to study. Its creative, intelligent, relaxed, open-minded atmosphere and positive student body helped to encourage creativity and a good attitude towards fashion."

Denise Ho, 2009