During my MA in Kingston University, I won an internal competition to design the 2014 Kingston University Graduate Fashion Week stand, in collaboration with Sheng Kai Lan.
The stand’s primary purpose was to present the BA Fashion student portfolios to industry and peers. The portfolio was consequently placed at the heart of the design strategy. This manifested itself in a few basic operations – portfolio presentation, study and discussion – with two elements of furniture to accommodate, the portfolio display ladders and a table on loan from Butchoff Antiques.
It was recognized that 27 portfolios on display could become unmanageable and unsightly, so it was decided to present their spines only, like books in a library. The ladders reinforced the library reference and were designed for the operations of presentation and study – the visitor would select a portfolio from the portfolio box and study it on a shelf beneath. If further discussion was required, this was undertaken at the table with the student and/or staff. The ladders were also used in the 2015 Kingston University Graduate Fashion Week stand.
My role:
Designing the ladders, portfolios and space, liaising with suppliers, contractors and specialists, finding exhibit props, keeping within budget, building, installing and managing the stand, as well as a team of students who volunteered to help.