Seventeen Fashion Design students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will be showing their collections at the world’s biggest platform for new talent – Graduate Fashion Week (GFW).
Minimalist draping makes for a chic collection by Esmee Ford
The 17 finalists were chosen from a total of 39 entries, following a rigorous selection day in front of a panel of judges, including designers Craig Lawrence and Scott Ramsay Kyle.
They will be showing their designs on the GFW catwalks in London on 7 June 2016, in front of industry talent spotters, leading fashion houses and journalists.
DMU is one of 40 universities taking part in GFW, which showcases the work of over 1,000 of the very best young designers and attracts more than 30,000 guests each year.
Known for bridging the gap between graduation and employment, GFW is responsible for launching the careers of some of the world’s most successful designers, including Christopher Bailey, Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald.
Megan-Jane Duke channels childhood memories through colourful splashes
Esmee Ford has taken a minimalist approach with her collection, using natural fibres like silks, wools and cottons.
The 22-year-old said: “I find draping easier than drafting patterns and I really enjoy experimenting with different textures and weights of fabrics.”
For Megan-Jane Duke, her embroidered designs are a way of channelling childhood memories and leaving challenging times in the past. Her collection is made up of contrasting fabrics from coated cottons and thick PVC to linen and sheer plastic.
She said: “I’ve wanted this so badly for the last three years. Being chosen for GFW has really given me a boost and has shown me that I am good enough for the industry.”
Vinyl tea towel prints have never looked so modern thanks to Sophie Bailey
Finding inspiration in the seemingly meaningless objects that people hoard is what helped secure Sophie Bailey a place at GFW.
Sophie, whose vinyl prints are a modern take on tea towels and cleaning cloths, said: “It’s really nice to have all my efforts appreciated and rewarded, but it all feels very bizarre at the moment. I think it will finally sink in on the day.”
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Beth de la Mare makes structured leather and Perspex designs look wearable
A mosaic chapel in her hometown of Guernsey, as well as the shapes of 1960s fashion, are behind Beth de la Mare’s creations. By combining leather and Perspex she has created sculptural garments that are also wearable.
Beth said: “This is such an incredible way to finish off a degree. It’s hard to believe that the work we’ve worked hard on in studios, at home and on trains will be shown on a professional catwalk.”
Laura Dickinson work is an unlikely mix of 1950s ball gowns and 1980s indie clothing. She has taken traditional fibres and paired them with bleached denim, rope panels and has even adorned tulle with liquid latex.
The 20-year-old said: “This is an amazing opportunity and there will be so much press there. I can’t wait to see the accumulation of three years of hard work at the show.”
Liquid latex delicately adorns Laura Dickinson's tulle designs
The 17 students whose designs will be showcased at Graduate Fashion list are: Natalie Trigwell, Annabel McLeod, Hazel Symons, Laura White, Demi Womack, Raquel Sutherland, Laura Newland, Holly Borg, Jessica Pennington, Laura Dickinson, Beth de la Mare, Sophie Bailey, Gemma Weston, Megan-Jane Duke, Esmee Ford, Hannah Edgar and Emily Curtis.
Posted on Tuesday 24 May 2016