Raffles Design Institute

JUST like one of her favourite designers British fashion maven John Galliano, Steffi Tjong, 20, hopes to make her mark on the fashion world.

That may become reality with the headstart she had from her three-year full-time Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) course at the Raffles Design Institute (RDI).

She decided on the course after getting her O-level results in 2007 on the advice of her fashion design student friends.

And Steffi, who is now in the second year of her programme, has no regrets. "The lecturers here are experienced and very professional," she said.

Miss Yong Reei Pyn, an assistant manager of marketing and admissions at RDI, said that 70 per cent of the faculty "come from all over the world", including US, UK, Italy, Korea and India.

Among the local lecturers are up-and-coming designers and former alumni, such as Mr Jay Quek and Miss Madeleine Wong of fashion label Posse.

Another plus point is the campus building itself, with its modern, avant garde design.

RDI moved into the building, which used to house the former Beach Road police station, about two years ago.

The highlight of Steffi's course so far was a week-long buying trip to Hong Kong last September. She went with two lecturers and about 30 other students.

"We visited a street lined with fabric shops and we went there every day," she said. "It was a big headache at first, deciding what to buy because of the variety available. But, it was also very fun!"

Students get two chances to go on the buying trip – one in their second year, the other in their third.

Miss Yong said: "The trips expose the students to the experience of purchasing fabric, which is in line with the school's belief that students should be trained and treated like professionals."

Steffi also had an opportunity to showcase her small collection of menswear at a fashion show last year at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia hotel. She and her classmates had two months to produce their garments.

RDI offers scholarships to students and is now open for registration for the April intake.