Fashion your future: Think more like a fashion designer | Suzi Vaughan | TEDxQUT

We live in times of unprecedented, disruptive change and uncertainty and most people find it challenging to thrive in those circumstances. If ‘design thinking’ is the new black, then thinking like a fashion design may just be the next big thing! This talk takes the idea of design thinking and translates it into a series of very practical tips that you can employ yourself, every day to help you think more optimistically in times of uncertainty and ambiguity.
Professor Suzi Vaughan has settled (for now) in Brisbane, Australia having studied, lived and worked in Europe and Asia. After graduating from St Martins School of Art in London with a Ba Hons in Fashion, she started her professional career as a fashion designer, later moving into fashion education. Since 2011 she has been part of the executive team of a large Australian university. With over thirty years’ experience of design practice and teaching, she has become an advocate for the power and potential of design thinking.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@christinafiore2480]

People who look down on fashion designers don't understand the creativity and genius insights that go on behind the scenes. This woman is truly extraordinary!

[@Sbannmarie]

Agreed!

[@ngenammunga5395]

Very true 💯💯

[@krypt2458]

My dad’s a fashion designer and it really is a berry long and thorough process for each design that take a lot of creativity and thinking skills

[@cherylbartlette9245]

My father me asked me at 15 what I would like to do as a career I stated Be a Fashion Designer. He stated a 'Dressmaker???, That's what My Aunt does in England. I said you are wearing clothing that someone designed(Carthartt work clothing). My point exactly 💯

[@popstarprincess123]

How do you look down on the people that make clothes especially when they aren’t nudist

[@yazan313]

1. Use your imagination 2. Be curious 3. Be observant 4. Don’t overlook simple familiar things 5. Have lots of ideas but don’t fall in love with them all 6. Share your ideas 7. Be an influencer 8. Don’t be afraid to try new things or to make mistakes 9. Be optimistic

[@CrazyWhore116]

Thank you for making the list, really appreciate it ☺️

[@bylikethepastry]

" You might have lots of friends and many followers, it does not mean that you have any influence " 💯

[@TheFashionRunUp]

Not many people sharing insights like this about fashion design. Love it!

[@HisDearMissK]

I was just on your channel, saw this, while watching I thought of you, too funny, and here you are

[@TheFashionRunUp]

@@HisDearMissK That's hilarious! :D

[@AJ-jf2ui]

She's rocking that cream turtleneck. Her voice is so lovely . Very smart woman.

[@VelvetKatOfficial]

Sharing this with everyone I know that wants to pursue a fashion career! It's exactly what I keep trying to ingrain in my students and they look at me like I'm crazy lol People think fashion is just about pretty clothes, but it's about more than the product. If they were to look outside the world of fashion to explore everything about life, they wouldn't get stuck not knowing what to design, because they would find inspiration everywhere! and their collections would be so much more authentically captivating

[@kavitasinha8626]

A great though about Fashion 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️. Hats off to you

[@VelvetKatOfficial]

@@kavitasinha8626 thank you😊

[@kavitasinha8626]

@@VelvetKatOfficial Hey, are you interested in sustainable fashion?

[@VelvetKatOfficial]

@@kavitasinha8626 I am actually😃 whatsup?

[@kavitasinha8626]

@@VelvetKatOfficial Can I have your email address? Please

[@vp3841]

Oh, finally no 15 minute long personal stories that got nothing to do with the topic. Clear, concise and to the point. Thank you!

[@ldevon2318]

"No one knows what will happen in a year... 5 years..." COVID! Those words have never been more true.

[@emanuelcarvalho8510]

that was what I was thinking hahah

[@sheleia66]

This was mandatory viewing for my Intro to Fashion Design course, and if "being curious about everything" plays a big role in becoming a fashion designer, then I've made the right career decision and been training for it my whole life! Excellent video, I'm so glad it was required

[@andreasanchez1453]

I just want to learn how to sew like the professionals . Sewing is my therapy my escape I enjoy the art. Plus, I can’t resist a pleated skirt!

[@ameliaconway]

I had the same thing when I told my dad I wanted to study fashion at university, he was really against it and wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor. But he kindly came to the open day and saw what it involves and then really supported me!

[@wijsel7457]

mealiac lucky you are, I'm still convincing my parents and I got sick of that, think I will quit very soon -_-

[@fannyac1078]

@@wijsel7457 please dont quit, its your life and only yours

[@periwinkle2881]

@@wijsel7457 hey please do not quit on your dream!! Hang on there, you are not alone. Best of luck to you :)

[@vencicekov2864]

I agree with your dad. I mean if that is your dream, who am i to tell you that you shouldn't do it. But you are basicaly useless. You don't help the society in any way shape or form. You are just going to make the poor people even more depressed.

[@teyasaadeh2313]

I want to one my own brand but everyone tells me fashion school won’t help me so I’m planning to go to business school but I still really really want to go to school for fashion

[@michaelfitzgeraldhalim727]

I just stumbled this video just now when I was looking for background music while doing my morning routine of letting my imagination go wild and restructure things. And I cant keep laughing and especially smilling. I am from a city in indonesia, went to university in germany taking chemistry. My family are strongly logic and many are either enggineer or doctor. In my last part of my study, I am and was struggling and the struggling is real till now (9 years have past). As a straight boy who loves womens, I am now a fashion designer, living in bali. And all the point from 1 to 9, I do it naturally and many think that I am just crazy, as some even do not know how to introduce me as to other people, as I crave so much of knowledge and the thirst never can be quenched. I write, I draw, I cook, I mix drinks, I read, I makes videos and many other things. And when people asked, what actually am I? I said, 'I just fall in love with beauty and I live and work for fashion'. - because people can say things but we are who know who we are~

[@keevandeurs]

I was raised by my Civil Engineer/Architectural Engineer Father and a down-to-earth smart Mother. He had a difficult time NOT worrying about pension & medical plans which came with more stable career paths ... All this to say, your comment resonated with me.

[@jmjanacek4335]

Yes that's beautiful!

[@MissIshX]

👑 This talk is gold! 👑

[@anshika-yz7us]

she is really a great designer with great thoughts. I really loved it

[@LCF2023]

this talk includes simple things we miss out on that actually makes a big difference.

[@bibisuperstar6796]

How funny, I just stumble across this vid! Suzi use to be my teacher when I was at LCF, I also moved to Australia from London and have since working in the fashion industry Great to see you Suzi great talk.

[@protopiannelson5]

Ms Vaughan has such elegant hands. Loved this talk 👍😍😍

[@alamousa3764]

Her voice and way of speaking is so adorable 🥰

[@rocyreyes1078]

Yess!! I had the opportunity to showcase my designs for the very first time at a fashion show 2 Days ago!!!!😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🙏 hard work pays off!!! My family came to support me and they finally understood why I was so busy for several months days and nights working on my collection! It's so much work behind the scenes! If you are a designer! Continue to dream big🙏🙏🙏 our creativity is everything😍

[@jessegabriel364]

Congratulations

[@judimccafferty8213]

Wonderful speaker! I find her really inspiring.

[@umairshahid5063]

Wow such a nice talk for fashion designer or students...

[@philosophyofaslijackson7579]

Oh my dear god , you were my very first lecturer and when you left LCF i cried my eyes out . It is very very nice to see you here . I will try to get in touch with you again

[@dandybubble9098]

Brilliant TEDx... I've come in to the field of fashion in late middle age..... catching up on what I should done when younger.... I've always loved fashion and the power of dressing up......

[@brendadrew834]

Great tips says this former NYC fashion illustrator and present day painter/composer! Let your imagination run wild! "imagination is more important than knowledge"...Albert Einstein. I say both are equally important, the two together are pretty powerful! Thanks for sharing TedX!

[@venusfirenza2547]

Imagination makes the world go round.

[@NewEarthBlog]

This was a great talk for the old energies and ways of the dark ages that we've recently left behind. She made some good points, especially ways not to be in a thinking/doing rut and rub shoulders with other cultures, but it's like pre-1987, where you were to lead or be innovative without being "far out", not being too different than everyone else. On the one hand, she advises to be original, but she says to keep track of what everyone else is doing and saying. To me you can only be truly creative by taking inspiration where YOU find it, not doing what others are doing, but finding creativity within yourself. Learn techniques from the best, as part of your arsenal of know-how, not to try to do THEM. Do YOU. It's the way of this new era.

[@TychoHupperets]

wow, my words exactly.

[@venusfirenza2547]

And never be afraid to be friends with the ones "too far out". They can help us perceive their experiences. And they help us recognize who we are and find where we are most comfortable. Even though they may be the odd man out most of the time. They sure can inspire to go a bit farther in the complexities where they are comfortable.

[@nucalabadze3850]

Her hands are stunning!

[@sonyaberkenpas5071]

I work at a University as a curriculum specialist and I love how her ideas and thoughts are transferable to any field! Thank you for sharing!

[@silviazweifel3888]

An amazing presenter! She knows how to combine ideas and present them effectively. Reminding us IMAGINATION is an infinite well of resources.

[@redsonya1084]

I love that I’m studying fashion design diy. And this is fantastic!!! Great Job!! Thank You!!

[@dawnk8261]

Love this! Not only can it be for fashion designers, but creatives as well ❤️

[@melovescoffee]

What a great talk and you look glorious.

[@keppykeppy5241]

Such a beautiful articulate woman some great life advice really enjoyed your talk

[@rodrigolandaveri3074]

Imagination is a fantastic thing! Remember that my teacher told me that I had to take different paths in my life from changing the way I have breakfast to listening to other kinds of music genres. In fact that really helped me as a fashion student.

[@ninadahms6798]

Rodrigo Landaveri Thank you so much! Your comment is incredibly interesting, it definitely enriched my view on life and fashion:)

[@ajitharamesh2035]

Hmm

[@venusfirenza2547]

Wonderful ! Your ability to draw from new experiences and inspirations. It is such a blessing to have.

[@jiboyoseo]

inspiring comment!

[@asmaasgar8224]

no 8. "...to make misteaks" haha..if that spelling mistake was mistaken intentionally... she is "also" awesomeee

[@macarenaalgorta5717]

Love this! so inspiring and make us, fashion designers, look so unique. Such a influencer Suzi Vaughan!.

[@fatimamohd2373]

thank you for the valuable speech

[@nikitanarang2575]

I am a fashion student and this video was really motivating.. I needed to see this video badly. thankyou TEDx. Literally helping so many people out there.

[@hellookaren9765]

Omg this was amazing thank you. Validates why I love fashion and it’s constant evolution and possibilities.

[@venusfirenza2547]

What a wonderful soul. Reminds me of a good friend from school.

[@SimranKaur-wh4xb]

She talks about all the things,that i need!❤️

[@DoctorFashion]

this is an awesome channel !!

[@naijadevelopmentmovement4624]

I love her speech, Best example of an English literate

[@lidiyabezabih6287]

How wonderful explanation it is.Thank you very much!

[@craftycornerplace]

i can watch this over an over i took notes of the 9 she mentioned

[@nicanoraestelahernandez9560]

Thank you for you beautiful positive speech to others

[@shivaditya143]

Very informative lecture .Thank you

[@memyselfandi4540]

Am so glad i found this because it just about gave me alot of inspiration. Thank you for sharing this message. You don't know how much this literally means to me💜❤️

[@MZucco]

My old head of department at QUT Fashion! Great job Suzi :)

[@Curryboikutty]

wow that's so cute

[@ladybarbarapinsonartist4052]

Spectacular talk!

[@SolLedesmaN]

Everything she said applies to being a teacher too.... I love it!

[@Fanya_valentine]

I'm an engineer but this is so applicable, especially since technology changes so quickly you gotta embrace change, you gotta be observant and how to come up with ideas/solutions and how to pick which ones to go forward with. If, as an engineer you are doing the same thing day in and day out, with logic and no creativity, your job will probably be phased out by AI at some point. I didn't think there was any similarity between fashion designers and engineers before this, but turns out the fundamentals are the same as long as you look pass the superficial stuff like colors/fabric or computer languages.

[@pragyamahadule9356]

What a talk...! I'm so lucky to having come across this Ted video. She shared insights in a remarkable way.

[@ryuedd]

This is not only for fashion designer, this is for life

[@dolsiemercado3140]

This is a very different way of thinking👍🏻. She is very bold and honest.

[@farmanikhan3749]

its very very veeeery motivational speech , well done and clapping

[@Warechiafashion]

Thank you so much

[@kirangopa6348]

I like few points of her about qualities should a Evey designer should own, irrespective of the stream. But very modern fashion world & fashion designer who not concerned about the nature Or impact of products.

[@ashleydanielle2306]

Everything that she said is how I act, move and think. I hope that one day, I'll be able to create and influence others the same way *praying*

[@TheOnliu]

I like this presentation. Nice voice and a self awareness of this speaker make it very convincing

[@raeesather5616]

wow best speech ever

[@ashwaaqashwaaq3975]

Her words are really useful and it is my biggest dream to become a fashion designer. Thanks for u conversation

[@denaaustinmiller1331]

Wow Poignant truly! Creativity and how to let go of the known and move ideas out of the dungeon.

[@ALEXMGFASHION]

I did a degree in fashion designing I have my ba hon but nothing has risen for me in the world of fashion. A degree alone is not enough you need contacts within the industry to land a job with major fashion houses

[@gw4111]

Waw no one knows what the future will bring. Gonna start study fashion now.

[@moerahmanyan7151]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@startyourbrandwithemily]

Still relevant today 😊

[@chitrikart2328]

Without realizing I have been doing it already

[@igbinakejoy5084]

Thank you so much Suzi

[@mihoando3813]

i don't know about you, but i think this is really the future.

[@jlxx1o18]

I want to be like you someday. I bet they all want to too. 💛

[@Eno_write]

Jef Lao No , I want to be better

[@irenematanda8178]

I'm not a designer but I don't know how to thank Professor Suzi. Sometimes I forget that I'm a designer of my own life.

[@venetiantiger1890]

This makes me cry, I’m just so scared to pass this line

[@sophiagonzales5520]

Jennifer Deeb I believe in you!

[@victoriaogletree4669]

I'm taking my own advice , go scared. I have a tiny note on my sewing machine: What if I fall? Oh my darling what if you fly?

[@venetiantiger1890]

victoria ogletree I’m going to follow this, thank you, I shouldn’t be afraid of the unknown and I love that saying, it makes sense, I’ll update you when I finish making my first line

[@victoriaogletree4669]

Venetian Tiger I'm looking forward to this. Just think of fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Stretch foreword. The world won't end when you write something that doesn't work. It brings about experience. I get it. I know fear. Think of something you did scared and other side you found it was not that bad. This gives you experience.

[@anuradhakulkarni7390]

@@victoriaogletree4669 this helped me a lot!

[@cindyhalpern3187]

That was a nice talk!

[@swalihaabduljaleel5979]

Very inspiring one ❤️❤️❤️

[@pristinkyulwoo283]

I want to be like her.

[@joylynrelles6481]

I really owe you a lot thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it.

[@chandalam7151]

I love your presentation ma'am.

[@Mya.atPlay]

Thank you Suzi!

[@adityasawdekar8147]

What an inspiring talk!!!

[@avirads]

What color combination of her dress, background and the red.. Adorable

[@ameenah4pool]

Thank you for a wonderful lessons

[@claralilly9453]

St. Martins is my dream

[@paridhidhariwal5945]

Share Ideas!!!! this is how I learn and Ma'am jut said amazing.

[@shamee23pa]

Brilliant ! what a charming lady and speech

[@Eno_write]

thank you Suzi Vaughan

[@DoctorFashion]

my channel is fashion related... Love this!

[@sweet_toothtarot]

BritxBrat2Fashion I follow you :)

[@jennysspace3635]

I follow you too...😊

[@DevoutFollowerofYeshua]

Thank you!

[@colorcustodian9499]

What a great talk! Amazing insight!! Bravo.

[@smridhgambhir3482]

Extraordinary!

[@unzahid]

Creativity is sometimes relate to think normal.

[@LilyLeeTracy]

“We don’t know what will happen 5 years from now” 2020 was 5 years later 😭

[@utrnagel9441]

I loved it💞

[@bad2486]

Exceptionally beautiful sister.God bless you

[@renforest]

Thank you for all those great advice!!!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I have made it a goal to wear clothes until they wear out. I have gotten there with some pieces after about 10 years.

[@kylielee2608]

very good talk, well done!

[@rizzamaeong]

her whole look screams "creative" and so does her slides.

[@mikiamartin1270]

I want to be fashion designer thank you for that ., That help me I love u

[@beverly2653]

Hair is your greatest accessory.

[@magpiemotivationsbrilliant8845]

" MAGPIE " - an e-fashion magazine - Editor in Chief's comments: you're designer of your destiny:: you are designer of your own world.

[@TheZakYart]

Very good!!