Programme aims

To raise awareness:

• that those who don't ask don't get
• that if you are unhappy with your job, you should consider other options
• that gaining confidence will allow you to challenge yourself
• that maximizing a school's resources will only benefit you

Curriculum Relevance

This programme can be used and discussed in conjunction with courses in fashion and design, business, sociology, basic economics, media studies and media trends, and issues of assimilation.

Programme outline

The film follows Bruce Oldfield. Born an illegitimate child of a white mother and Jamaican father, he was placed in a Dr Barnardo's orphanage when he was just seven months old. Adopted into a foster home in the north, Bruce grew up exploring his creativity. After studying to be a teacher, he was soon disillusioned by the experience of teaching at a secondary modern school. He returned to his first love, fashion, and moved to London to be in the centre of it all. Taking advantage of all that was on offer at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design he became known as a passionate designer and quickly gathered a devoted following around him. With dreams of being a star designer, he made a name for himself by developing signature clothes. Spurred on by strong ambition and persistence, Bruce never gave up on achieving his goals. He attracted the attention of celebrities and built up a fashion empire bit by bit, often making barely enough money to pay the bills. His constant enthusiasm for fashion and a boundless interest in learning allowed him to attain his dream. Bruce now enjoys the fruits of all his hard work.

Credits

Produced by Juniper Communications for Channel 4

Producer Sameena Akbar
Director/Camera Dishad Husain