Two talented graduates from the world-renowned fashion design courses at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have been named in the prestigious Drapers 30 Under 30 list for 2026.
30 Under 30 is an annual initiative from leading fashion industry publication Drapers to recognize and celebrate the most talented young movers and shakers in the fashion retail industry across the UK and Ireland.
The two DMU graduates are:
- Sian Hickey, who graduated in 2022 from the world-famous DMU Contour Fashion course. Sian, who now works for Marks & Spencer, first hit the headlines in 2019 while still a student at DMU thanks to her innovative, environmentally friendly period-proof lingerie.
- Jamie Unlu O’Grady, a multi-award-winning 2025 Footwear Design graduate. Jamie, who now works as an associate designer at New Balance, had a standout year in 2025, winning a string of accolades for his pioneering modular trainer designs. These included a Drapers Student Design Award and two international honors: the Real Leather, Stay Different International Student Design Award and the Fondazione ITS (International Talent Support) contest.
They are in excellent company - previous Drapers 30 Under 30 alumni include Ben Francis, co-founder and CEO of Gymshark, and Arianna Ajtar, founder of Mars the Label.
“This is wonderful news,” said Professor Carolyn Hardaker, who heads DMU’s School of Design Innovation. “It’s brilliant to see two recent DMU graduates on Drapers 30 Under 30 which is a great barometer of young talent in the fashion business. It shows not only the talent of our students, but also the strength and depth of the courses and the amazing quality and creativity of the teaching here at DMU.”
Posted on Tuesday 20 January 2026