In 2015 Nermin took a sabbatical year and moved to Milan to explore different avenues and have reflection time. What she felt missing during her education at Gerrit Rietveld Academy and ArtEZ University of the Arts, was being prepared for the real world. How to present yourself not only as a designer but at the same time as an entrepreneur. Her knowledge and skills obtained on Savile Row, were only achievable by being dedicated to learning traditions from the masters, being passionate, putting her time in, and accepting the sacrifices that come with it. It has been worth it. Having said that, she wished she was exposed to certain subjects at university by experts in the field.

When she was in Milan, she created a concept called “Bespoke Tailoring & Design”. This intensive concept was all about sharing her expertise, in-depth sights of the industry of Bespoke Tailoring and as a Fashion Designer she worked at brands such as Vivienne Westwood. Her approach is to teach the students how to tap into their purest authenticity, instead of focusing on what the industry is portraying and requiring. This allows them to create new innovative and most importantly sustainable approaches to designing. As the fashion industry is the most polluting industry, she finds that it is crucial that universities have sustainability at their core program.

Nermin has approached five Universities in Milan and presented her concept to be included in their Master’s Degree program. It was IED Istituto Europeo di Designs’ previous director Mrs. Bianca Renn who believed in her program and gave her the opportunity to introduce and lead this course in 2016. Together with Mr. Fabio di Nicola, IED Master Fashion Design Coordinator, we have established a successful course. This has resulted in raising the quality and status of the Master Fashion Design Program at IED. Since 2016, IED University has taken my concept as its core program at their university.

Innovation, Sustainability and Change for the next generations begins at Education.