From the art studios of Alton College to the runways of New York Fashion Week, alumnus Spencer Carroll is proof of just how far a high-quality education coupled with ambition and creativity can take you.
Spencer completed the Extended Diploma in Art, Design and Communication at Alton College, where he earned a very impressive Distinction. After leaving College in 2020, he went on to achieve a First-Class Honours Degree in Fashion Design with Marketing at Central Saint Martins College in London.
Since graduating from university, his career has truly been exceptional, including work with renowned fashion designer Alexander Wang and collaborations on looks for Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé and many more famous faces.
However, Spencer continues to credit Alton College for providing him with the confidence and practical skills to succeed in the industry. Whilst at College, he secured an internship as a Costume Design Assistant with HBO, a rare opportunity for college-level creatives. Speaking about how Alton helped him achieve this, Spencer said:
“I loved my time at Alton because of the true expressiveness of the art department. It was the first time in my life where I was surrounded by like-minded people who shared similar ambitions and that really encouraged me to thrive and expand my knowledge.”
Spencer speaking to students at Alton College.
Recently, Spencer revisited Alton to give a talk to both vocational and A Level art students, all of whom were engaged and excited about what he had to say. His journey stands as an inspiration to current and future Alton College students, showcasing not only what can be achieved with talent and determination, but also highlighting the positive and ambitious atmosphere that Alton continues to foster.
Charmian Thomas taught Spencer whilst he was at Alton, and spoke highly of him during his time at College:
“Spencer was such an enthusiastic and positive student at Alton College who worked in diverse ways across many of the specialist areas. He worked in highly imaginative and creative ways, which is always what we encourage at Alton.”
Spencer’s success since leaving college exemplifies the core principles of an education at HSDC. The progression from his art course at Alton College to an international fashion career reflects the environment that HSDC strives to create: one in which students can build the professional skills, creative confidence and industry awareness needed to excel.