Meet the Graduate Fashion Foundation 2020 Award Finalists
We’re excited to be announcing the top three finalists for each of the GFF 2020 Awards, after our judges deliberated last week at Second Home in Shoreditch. Our awards have always been an important part of who we are as a Foundation. It allows us to highlight the very best in graduating talent and award excellence. The awards are crucial for attracting industry as it provides a filter to the talent ensuring that they are seeing the very best work. Read the top three finalists for each award below!
THE DESIGN CONCEPT AWARD:
The Design Concept Award has been created to celebrate the research and concept development that must take place in order to produce a cohesive and well thought through the collection. No toiling or final products are to be included within the entry.
Judges for the Fashion Concept Award were:
Rebecca Hitchings - Trading Director, Clothing and Jewellery at Tu
Rob Jones - Co-Founder and Designer of Teatum Jones
Fabio Piras - MA Course Director at Central St Martins
Fashion Concept Award Finalists:
David Bell, Northumbria University
This collection is a deconstruction of the relationship between masculinity and power. Examining how the construction of masculinity effects power structures from politics and the workplace to personal relationships. Power is defined by ‘the capacity or ability to directly influence the behaviour of others or the course of events’ Power is protected by a facade of characteristics associated with masculinity whilst denying the characteristics associated with femininity. This collection explores the influence of masculinity on the “Alpha Male” and how the minority of “Alpha males” control the majority through oppression, prejudice and privilege.
Madeline Robertson, University of Brighton
The concept for the Lone Star collection is based around the gritty narrative of a young girl inspired by the stories told in Corinne Day’s photography of her friends in the 90s mixed with the influences of bold female characters from Americana road films. Girls who encompass a blend of both fearlessness and femininity. The concept is inspired by my own photography of motels along the west coast of the US, as well as research into temporary structures, such as scaffolding that hold a similar eerie feeling to a lonely motel in Nevada. I also looked at artists like Christo who create sculptural forms with material and drape. The collection aims to capture the story of this young girl and her character with the use of dramatic silhouette. Silk slip dresses, sheer drapes, exposed underwear and cowboy boots, walking home at sunrise in someone else’s jacket.
Vick Batey, Sheffield Hallam University
My starting point for my concept was looking into the important role of a woman within the household. I found that women are a key figure within the family, almost invisible at times. To make this project more personal, I drew upon my own family experience, giving my father’s mother the recognition she deserved. The project looks into the role of the woman within the household and how the role has changed between generations. The collection focuses on the female generations that want to break the stereotype and become something other than a housewife.
THE RANGE PLAN AWARD:
The Range Plan Award has been created to celebrate and showcase the creative practice of a range plan illustration and recognises the value it holds. We are keen to support graduates communicating their planned final collection of garments and outfits through a line up or range plan image. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Range Plan Award were:
David Koma - Designer
Priya Aluhwa - Designer
Diana Kakkar - CEO of Maes London
Fashion Range Plan Award Finalists:
Alice Fox, Norwich University of the Arts
‘A Seaside trip’ is inspired by the 1960s British seaside resorts and old family photos. By using the iconography of the seaside, I was inspired by deckchairs to influence my striped prints and use of canvas which I then pleated, draped and layered to create distortion. As no prints are repeated and there is a lot of colour and clashing, it could have been difficult to make the collection look visually consistent but through using just four fabrics I created a cohesive lineup. All of my designs are driven and informed by my passion for creative pattern cutting, whilst also incorporating aspects of traditional tailoring. Through creative pattern cutting, it leads me to create interesting shapes whilst working on the stand allowing me to be able to design unique garments while pushing creative boundaries.
Faye Picknell, University for the Creative Arts Rochester
Gloriously Vulgar is a catwalk collection with the aim of putting the arse in class. Redefining what is deemed as fashionable, whilst having two fingers up to taste. The whole collection explores what is seen as: too popular, too excessive, too exposed, the use of excessive branding and anything controversial to common taste. Playing closely along the line of glorious and vulgar, my collection embodies British culture with my prints containing things that are stereotypically related to each of the social classes. Pairing vulgar prints with high end fabric such as fur and silk, access origin with an excessive amount of jewellery to show off extreme lavish and luxury. Taste differentiates between the classes, it is these stereotypical ideas from each social class that make up my collection creating a juxtaposition of the glorious and the vulgar, depending on personal taste.
Sarah Williams, Northumbria University
The concept ‘In the eye of the beholder’ has fed my creativity over the last two years and in uncertain times like these I hope that by having an insight into my project others can be inspired to see beauty behind the mundane.
THE FASHION TECHINCAL DRAWING AWARD:
Technical flat lay digital drawings play a huge part within design and manufacturing roles in the fashion industry. Graduate Fashion Foundation is proud to support the important skill and recognise the value it holds. Ensuring a Technical Drawing is correct, to scale and featuring all components is incredibly important to ensure another team member, or factory can manufacture the garment correctly. Meet the award nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Technical Drawing Award were:
Bianca Saunders - Designer
Mustafa Fuat - MD of Gosha London Ltd
Fashion Technical Drawing Award Finalists:
Emelia Johnson, De Montfort University
The concept behind my final collection is focussed on the ‘blank canvas’ and my interpretation of what it represents. Within this concept I have challenged the idea of what a ‘blank canvas’ is and the forms it could take. Through my designs I have sought to reflect the symbolic nature of what a blank canvas represents - commonly new beginnings and hopes in everyone’s personal journey, which can be created at any point in time.
I have considered the importance of colour, particularly white, which is often used to symbolise rebirth, and is a key colour in my colour scheme. To reflect my concept, I focused on exploring ways in which my garments could be altered and adjusted to suit the wearer’s own desires. I also wanted the garments to be seen as a ‘blank canvas’ and to build onto or customise, however they wished.
Lydia Claxton, Leeds Arts University
The ethos of this collection consists of practicality, innovative design, and a conscious mind. Her collection combines sportswear with fine tailoring, giving a futuristic enhancement on everyday tailoring to create high-performing business wear. Sustainable fabrics used in the collection include deadstock wools and recycled nylons. The collection has now taken a digital approach due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The Initial research that inspired the collection was presented as a dissertation answering the question: Is there a need for climate- disaster clothing and if so, what changes, advancements and ideas are being developed by professionals within the fashion industry to prepare for a post-climate change society? The dissertation explored the key components leading up to present day protective clothing, the need for different variations of protective clothing and the increased need for more wearable protective clothing.
Mia Thompson, Manchester Metropolitan University
The ASIMOV collection was conceptualised as a thought provoking collection aimed at potential future lifestyle of the human race. As earth has become more polluted and over populated, mankind are setting out to inhabit Mars in a bid for a more ethical new beginning. Those leaving for the red planet are leaving behind all familiarity in order to start a new life.
Technology is a key element in the concept of my collection. Alongside some science fiction is a new reality where clothing can be simulated digitally or even worn in a virtual reality. As always technical flats can portray specific details that go into the construction of a garment, now with softwares like Clo-3D the fit, drape, proportions and style lines can all be simulated to fit specific body shapes.
THE FASHION ILLUSTRATION AWARD:
Judges for the Fashion Illustration Award were:
Samantha Piras - Creative and Technical Illustrator at Vivienne Westwood
Fashion Illustration Award Finalists:
Charlotte Plimmer, Nottingham Trent University
My work explores individual style and how fashion should be a playful expression of textiles and influences. The inspiration behind the collection ‘Galactic Nomad’ was inspired by graffiti photographed on a trip to Berlin. The graffiti read “Too Alien for Earth, Too Human for Space”. The collection is a human case study playing around with mixing contrasting elements of my life and inspirations as if they were being interpreted by someone from out of this world. This has resulted in a colourful and textural range of knitted materials which explore galactic surface textures and vintage garment prints.
Jasmine De Baeza, University for the Creative Arts Epsom
My illustration features two final looks from my graduate collection “Who’s Watching”. The concept for this collection began with exploring paranoia through the history of surveillance, drawing from the increasingly invasive and normalised behaviour of voyeurism in society and how this is infiltrating every aspect of daily life, including our choices in clothing and outward appearance. The final garments I created reflect different aspects of surveillance and feature alternative materials such as reused metal, up-cycled film negatives and Perspex.
Rosie Coggin Levy, Sheffield Hallam University
During an overall wonderful and insightful trip to Japan I was jolted by the omnipres- ence of schoolgirl culture, or 'JK' from the Japanese Joshi Kosei (meaning high school girl). I was shocked and saddened to see teenagers in school uniform sell their time to passers-by. Men pay to hold hands, go for a walk, or have a cup of co ee with the girls. Some even pay to sleep on a girl's lap. This is all legitimate, above board and legal. This schoolgirl aesthetic signi es youth and innocence, it seems to be worshiped on mass. It is described best by its slang term: Lolicon, the hebephilic desire for young girls. I was inspired to question this sinister normalcy in an exploration into the humanistic ceremony of ritual and desire.
THE DIGITAL FASHION PORTFOLIO AWARD
The Digital Fashion Portfolio Award will be given to a well-executed, contemporary and professionally presented digital fashion portfolio that demonstrates an individual and creative identity, whilst communicating a thinking process from the concept ideas, through their development to the final presentation and layout. Meet the nominees!
Judges for the Fashion Digital Portfolio Award were:
Henry Holland - Designer and GFF Ambassador
Ida Petersson - Director of Menswear and Womenswear Buying at Browns
Caren Downie - Brand Director, Founder and Consultant
Fashion Digital Portfolio Award Finalists:
Caolum McCabe, Arts University Bournemouth
My Collection “Mother Ireland” casts a glance over Irish history when England took over Ireland during the Elizabethan reconquest. Ireland lost all sense of culture, language and identity. The only way Ireland could defend itself as a nation in the latter years preceding independence was to personify its women through myths and legends. Woman was to be seen not heard. Often lamenting her rape, the land was seen as an object to be repossessed bby man, constructing gender norms. Each garment is a celebration of the strength of Irish women, namely his mother’s. Their spirit is embodied without, such as in the insipid green hues of his grandmother’s dress which has influences by natural dye processes, or the love letters his mother wrote as a child which have become a print and have been reversed so that they read from him to her. The collection is an ode to them.
Gianluca Rondelli, Northumbria University
“Everything has already been done before.” It’s time to not look in the past for inspiration for new designs, it’s time to ultimately make it up. Rewrite the historybooks and start fresh. This is my design philosophy, pushing into the research of new environments made of “what ifs” influenced by hyper climate change and other significant world changes that could occur. Asking out of the box questions of “what ifs” in a dystopian or utopian scenario will inform innovation through problem solving. This will start the design process: asking questions of “how do we overcome this problem with garment design?” A Mythical Creature is attacking you. How can your garment change to defend, attach or adapt to the environment?...
Megan Andrews, Northumbria University
A self-contained landscape of white, the striking marble quarries of Carrara, Italy, are their own isolated world: severe, bizarre and beautiful. My final major project is centered around the view at the precipice, dynamically and conceptually exploring various visual, cultural and historical concepts, to produce a diverse outcome of menswear garments. At the core, my collection is deeply driven by texture, fabric, colour, detail and silhouette, collectively capturing an air of careful simplicity and sensibility.
THE FASHION INNOVATION AWARD
The Innovation Award has been created to more fully embrace the excellent innovative work found on members courses, but who may currently not meet the minimum stated entry criteria of the catwalk awards e.g. may only produce one – three outfits, or products, or produce a documented niche outcome, that reflects their curriculum design. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Innovation Award were:
Gok Wan - Creative and GFF Ambassador
Hilary Alexander OBE - Journalist and GFF President
Fashion Innovation Award Finalists:
Elza Mucina, University of Westminster
The impact on our daily lives technology has had is tremendous, therefore I am proposing an extension line for Berlin based eye-wear company MYKITA to launch an exclusive collection at Dover Street Market that with a successful campaign aims to raise awareness on the use of facial recognition technology in our society and the impact it has on our well-being by offering 3D printed sunglasses with lenses that absorb the near infrared spectrum and challenge the facial recognition software on our devices and on the streets.
Shannon McGowan, Birmingham City University
“Albatross” evolved from my family's interest in the sport of golf. My aim was to merge golf wear and today’s sportswear trends with my passion for technology. In today’s world we are torn between the benefits that technology can bring whilst struggling with the amount of waste from consumers. Developments in 3D technology can really help reduce both manufacture times and the impacts on the environment. My initial design development came from recycling and repurposing unwanted golf bags to create my silhouettes and develop the detail and form of my collection.
Sophie Parnaby, Manchester Metropolitan University
Research has found that heavily embellished garments are commonly worn for a few occasions before they are sent to landfill, where the bead and sequin components, often made from plastic, will persist in the environment for hundreds of years. As part of my final collection, I developed an innovative manufacturing process to address this issue, providing a sustainable alternative to current, unsustainable embellishment production methods.
After discovering how 3D print technology is used in other manufacturing industries to reduce waste, I wanted to investigate how this could be beneficial to the embellishment industry. It is currently estimated that 33% of sequin film is wasted during the sequin punching process, resulting in a large quantity of plastic going to landfill before the sequins are even used to embellish garments. The additive nature of 3D printing means that embellishing fabrics using the technology is zero waste, as only the material needed is used.
THE FASHION COMMUNICATION DIGITAL PORTFOLIO AWARD
Entrants into the Fashion Communication Digital Portfolio award have been tasked with submitting a well-executed, stylish, and professionally presented digital fashion portfolio that demonstrates individual creative identity, whilst communicating thinking process and development from the concept to final ideas. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Communication Award were:
Maurice Mullen - Head of Luxury Fashion at Evening Standard & GFF Trustee
Fiona Hurst - Senior Design Director at ForPeople Ltd
Fashion Communication Award Finalists:
Imogen Thomas, Sheffield Hallam University
My final major project has been driven by my research into 21st-century consumer consumption habits and the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. This coupled with my affinity for data-driven technology and sustainability led to a desire to create.
Sum Space, a Community Interest Company that provides a hyper-local multifunctional concept space, for the benefit of the neighbourhood. The name of the space has been derived from the Gestalt theory: “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” This reflects Sum Space as the total sum of its community and forward-thinking philosophy. Each Sum Space would have an adaptation of the original brand identity, to stand independently but united as a group.
A marriage of art and technology, Sum Space is arranged over three levels: Studio, Cultural and Market Spaces within one footprint, for all to socialise, create, learn, and access curated products. The three spaces are fashioned by the clientele through the use of the Sum Space app. Local consumers input data they wish the space to access, allowing AI technology to decode user preferences.
Lucy Randall, University of Hertfordshire
Lavona offers a fresh new approach to swim and athleisure wear that is versatile enough to mix and match as you desire. Selected pieces can interlink together to take the individual everyday garment into a fresh and exciting ensemble.
We create functional, comfortable yet modern and stylish clothing for the multi-facade woman. Our consumers want something different from outdoor wear, our clothes are made to look stylish when living life outside, inside, on land or in sea. Having swimwear be one of the main in uence for the brand, how we create swimwear and its impact on our environment is a strong value of ours. We are using recycled swimwear material for our swimwear collection because we have customers who care. Therefore we will use this as one of our marketing strategy in the campaign, to show- case that we are an environmentally conscious brand.
Olga Petrusewicz, Arts University Bournemouth
Exploration of childhood nostalgia and longing for simpler reality is encapsulated in the hunting ponies magazine. Merging the tactility of children’s publications with highly curated fashion stories, the publication invites the readers to express their inner child: explore, unfold and interact. Games, pull-outs and stickers ensure a deeply engaging and exciting experience, which is an escape from the stressful mindset and everyday struggles. Bold and bright colour palette focusing on warm reds, oranges and pinks is bringing youthful attitude and positivity throughout the pages.
MEET THE GFF 2020 FASHION MARKETING AWARD NOMINEES
Entrants into the Fashion Marketing Award have submitted a digital report format which creatively demonstrates their knowledge of the stages and promotional methods required in launching a campaign for a new product / service. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Marketing Award were:
Pam Wright - Luxury Marketing and Branding Consultant
Frederica Brooksworth - Learning & Development Strategist and Founder of The Fashion Scholar
Fashion Marketing Award Finalists:
Annie Taylor, Nottingham Trent University
The issue concerning sobriety is that it’s either coined boring, or aimed at recovering alcoholics; an established equilibrium has not yet been met within the social sphere. My final research project exposed that despite acknowledging the negative implications of alcohol, young professionals are continuing to consume it without desiring to. For example, given that social events are often assisted by alcoholic substances, factors such as the fear of missing out or societal pressure are encouraging its consumption. This is exacerbated by the fact that non-alcoholic options within social environments are not attributed with the same level of sophistication as alcoholic beverages. Subsequently, self-care regimes and healthy lifestyles become disrupted. Thus, I have devised a business plan for a new business to mitigate these issues.
Elixir is an innovative alcohol-free bar which provides young professionals high-quality alcohol-free beverages and arcade games to promote the same experience for drinkers and non-drinkers within the social sphere. It further aims to reinvigorate sobriety by elevating the positives that can be acquired, such as no hangover, rather than the negatives. The concept has been justified through rigorous market and current consumer behaviour research, wherein there is established demand for the business.
Rhianna Popat, University of Westminster
Just Renew it. Nike Renew is a brand new sneaker renewal service by Nike. The service allows consumers to repair their old sneakers, as well as renew their existing trainers through unique customisation. By introducing this new service, Nike have presented an opportunity for customers to buy into a project which in turn builds brand equity and enables Nike to pro t from the products future earnings beyond the first point of purchase. The campaign focuses on promoting the longevity of sneakers in order to maximise its value. Additionally, the campaign will provide information in order to educate customers on the proper care of their products. By providing this service, Nike will be the first footwear brand in the market to encourage consumers to repair & renew their shoes by restoring its value & purpose.
Polly Dodds, Ravensbourne University London
Ever been to a sample sale for your favourite luxury brand, then felt completely overwhelmed by the chaos? Or you were sent an e-vite the day before but the sale was miles away and you had to work? Revo.co was founded with the aim to create the perfect sample sale experience for both the brands and consumers. We are your brand shiny new sample sale destination - an online platform selling items from global luxury brands. Our aim is to abolish the hassle, disappointment, sweat and tears of a traditional sample sale and allow you to nd totally braggable treasures from the comfort of your sofa. No need to get the elbows out to nd sample sale gold! Your favourite sample sale without the stress.
THE NEW FASHION MEDIA AWARD
Fashion digital media is a dynamic and flourishing part of the fashion industry with new media constantly evolving alongside traditional formats. GFF wants to find and celebrate the voice of a new generation. Project submissions are sought across the board of fashion new media that are innovative and resonate with the industry including websites / app development / blogs / online channels / social media strategy and campaigns. This can be a collaborative project by more than one student. Meet the award nominees below!
Judges for the New Fashion Media Award were:
Rachael Sealy - Founder of UK Afrolista
Ella H - Founder of Authentically Ella
New Fashion Media Award Finalists:
April Howie, University of Central Lancashire
Due to COVID-19 I wasn’t able to produce my front and back cover onto beautifully printed paper or have it laser cut. The initial paper used was from GF Smith and was a very vibrant colour with tiny flecks of sparkles embedded within. I have tried to translate this as best as I could through a digital submission having to tweak the colours slightly. Please see the images of the draft portfolio made with the beautiful papers. I would have also had pull outs for example on the website and social media as well as other 3d promotional pieces for postcards and my trend book etc. These images were taken at home.
Olivia Kellerman, University for the Creative Arts Epsom
Life is full of compromises, learning how to deal with changes that shift out of your control is a di cult thing to cope with. e Blacklist’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, we’ve had to adapt to the times and squash ideas that we were passionate about doing. But the big learning experience is that as young visionaries, ‘creativity cannot and will not be quarantined’. Yes, our work has suffered, not being able to go out for inspiration, interact with others has caused an understandable halt in plans, and our mental wellbeing has perhaps suffered.
But thankfully the brilliant minds of our generation, we can honestly say that a global pandemic did not stop us from exhausting every possible outlet to create beyond what we thought was possible.
So welcome to my very first issue of ‘ e Blacklist’, the print edition, I am honoured and humbled to say that we have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing creatives who have shared, so beautifully their honest experiences and thoughts on our community. We have featured black Photographers, illustrators, writers and poets, this issue is an introduction to all the topics and brilliant people that e Blacklist aims to promote, encourage and share.
Veronica Wong Diffa, University for the Creative Arts Epsom
Motion magazine is a quarterly, UK based, Arts & Culture, print and digital publication, that showcases multicultural artists of the creative industry. Motion gives their readers an insight into fashion, art, beauty and the performing arts; showcasing an individual's talent irrelevant of age, gender or background. It’s the creative spark that intrigues the mind of Motion.
Motion is aimed at the innovative and intellectual minds of 20-30 Year olds, targeting young adults, such as graduates or students working towards a creative career, as well as older adults who have already found their niche. Both are eager to broaden their knowledge and their contacts to introduce innovative ideas into the industry. They are equally experimental, creatively impulsive, and intrigued by new concepts, allowing them to stay relevant in their field.
THE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD
Fashion photography plays a huge part within all aspects of the fashion industry. Graduate Fashion Foundation is proud to support the creative practice of fashion photography and recognises the value it holds within the fashion industry. We are keen to support the ever-increasing number of graduates communicating their concepts through fashion photography and celebrate the presence of the ‘image’ in the contemporary fashion industry. Meet the award nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Photography Award were:
Edward Smith - Brand partnerships & Publicist Liaison at Getty
Gareth Catemole - Chief Entertainment Photographer, EMEA at Getty
Lisa Marie Ray - Senior Director, Entertainment EMEA & Global Video at Getty
Fashion Photography Award Finalists:
Amy Foster, Norwich University of The Arts
Driven by my artistic background, my practice began with a fascination of studying facial features and drawing portraits; ultimately, transpiring into the compassionate approach recognised in my portraiture. The appeal is to curate beautiful, striking imagery that are abundant in detail, emotion, and intrigue, expressing personality and distinctive characteristics. Like a painting, the creative process behind an image is just as rewarding as the final outcome, from concept to composition, I aim to establish a compelling visual language to express an essence of my personality and sensitivity within my work to demonstrate my personal involvement throughout.
With keen interests in fashion, nature and people, my practice has evolved to enable my photography to be informed by my curious eye for conflicting colour, pattern, and texture. From the veins in a leaf to the pleats in a skirt, to the colours in an iris, my imaginative visions are inspired by all manner of daily obscurities that offer photographic potential. In my current work, I have focused my attentions on honesty and natural beauty within today’s filter- cultured society; making a conscious effort to ensure my models are unretouched and that all outfits and accessories are not purchased shoot-specifically. My ambition with my work is to unveil this artistic perspective, to demonstrate that fashion photography can be as conscientiously beautiful as it is statement-making by promoting positive, impactful change driven by honesty in an era where transparency is in demand.
Holly Lavelle, Manchester Metropolitan University
These two editorials are a visual and psychological exploration of dreaming and the creativity of the unconscious. Fashion has always been hand in hand with fantasy, however with COVID-19 dreams are more relevant than ever. Lacking daily stimuli and confined to our bedrooms, dreams are our only escape. I conducted an experiment to see if they reflect the events in our waking lives, collecting the quarantine dreams of 15 participants and creating different photographic narratives based on the nature of their dreams. I explored epic story dreams, black and white dreams, recurring dreams, lucid dreams and metamorphosed characters.
Tabatha Lopez-Palmby, University of the West of England
Girlhood is a series of photographs documenting a variety of girls residing in Bristol, and their views on what it means to be a woman. The project was created with the purpose of promoting self love and awareness about how women feel about the social and economic pressures they feel are put on them, for example, by the media. The girls are captured in their own environment and around Bristol. Each layout has been created to be unique for each girl and feature quotes from many interviews I conducted with each woman I photographed. I had a clear vision from the start. I wanted my images to promote self love, not only within each subject but towards young women throughout the community.
FASHION DIGITAL PUBLICATION AWARD
Project submissions are sought from students producing inspiring and innovative digital fashion publications that resonate with the Industry and intended audience. Students should demonstrate quality of writing, imagery, layout design and a professional standard of production. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Fashion Digital Publication Award were:
Isabella Silvers - Associate Editor at Hearst
Rhona Ezuma - Founder of THIIIRD Magazine
Fashion Digital Publication Award Finalists:
Ella Kenneally, Manchester Metropolitan University
W O M A N U P is a collection of 3 projects exploring women in male dominated spaces. Within the first two projects I explore the world of women and male dominated sports, and aim to celebrate the sportswomen of the North and how these women are challenging gender roles and stereotypes and what it means to be a woman in the world of sport today. Only 4% of printed and digital sports coverage is dedicated to women’s sport. W O M A N U P is changing that statistic and is a new platform for Sportswomen in the North of England.
I am currently developing and expanding the brand of W O M A N U P from women in male dominated sports to encompassing women in other male dominated spaces. For vol.03, W O M A N U P is branching out into the world of Women and Male dominated Music and dissecting the way the industry views gender. W O M A N U P is a protest to the commonly thrown about phrases: “a girl can’t or shouldn’t do that” or “you’re not bad for a girl”. W O M A N U P is making a statement and we want to be heard, these women are marking their territory in the North of England.
Kit Bacon, University of the West of England
CHThirteen is an annually printed publication, focusing on technological advancements that have made waves within fashion that year, revolutionising industry practices. CHThirteen is unlike any other publication on the market. Through the exploration of modern technology and through the use of 2D and 3D elements, the pages come to life through a Instagram-led Augmented Reality experience. The core concept of CHThirteen is to take the visuals beyond face value - merging traditional print media with technological advancements to elevate the reading experience to be unique and personal to each reader.
Shola Forbes, University of Leeds
Within the global haircare market, black women’s needs are severely underrep- resented and they are more likely to be overexposed to harmful chemicals and ingredients. CURLS + FROS are here with a solution. We represent the market’s rst personalised hair consultation service that provides black women with a highly customised assessment and safe product range for their individual textural needs. As a purpose-led brand, we exist to provide a solution for the greatest economic contributors to the global hair care industry. A group so valuable yet so overlooked in the market.
From my initial product development and app consultation concept to a full brand realisation, my publication creatively details the introduction of my disruptive inno- vation into the haircare market. Inclusive of emotive, sensory and technologically innovative strategies, my marketing campaigns champion and celebrate my target audience, whilst simultaneously demonstrating how we accurately address their hair care needs. Ultimately, my publication displays CURLS + FROS commitment to uplifting black women’s representation and fulling a need that is long overdue within the black community.
FASHION STYLING & CREATIVE DIRECTION AWARD
The winner of the Fashion Styling and Creative Direction Award will present a portfolio of at least two editorial stories, each aimed at an identified publication, addressing a wide variety of issues and narratives. Students must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through the evaluation of the needs of the viewer/client in respect of market/trends.
Judges for the Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award were:
Hilary Alexander OBE - Styling, Journalist and GFF President
Rebekah Roy - VIP Stylist
Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award Finalists:
Daisie Jacobs, Leeds Arts University
“F. O. A. M (feelings of apprehension, mainly)” is an editorial that explores the need to safeguard our mental wellbeing in the face of overwhelming issues beyond our control. The title serves two purposes in that it references the expanding foam used to create the looks, and acts as an acronym standing for ‘feelings of apprehension, mainly,’ a phrase that has been significant within my own personal experiences with anxiety and panic. I wanted the shoot to feel somewhat dystopian and otherworldly to reflect how alien the world often feels during times of uncertainty. This shoot was undertaken whilst in lockdown with my lovely mother as the model. The editorial is aimed at an audience interested in more conceptual, high fashion campaigns, and for those who have an interest in the cross section where fashion meets art.
Matthew Pennington, University for the Creative Arts Epsom
A Recipe For Disaster follows the story of Miss C on her quest to protect her neighbourhood from sin. This comical silent visual contains six chapters, which explore the discourse of Miss C taking action to cleanse her community from the wrath of a local man called Byron. This short film explores faith, nostalgia, delusion, the past and future as we follow the actions of Miss C’s good intentions resolve in a contentious outcome.
Seyon Amosu, University for the Creative Arts Rochester
The way I work creating a series of creatively directed and styled visual stories that explores my Identity as an African queer and our experiences from my lens. taking inspiration and stories from my childhood to adulthood experiences and communicating that visually. This project also solidifies my identity as a creative, showing my strengths and aesthetics, the narratives I personally care about and that I am passionate to explore.
SPORTSWEAR & LEISUREWEAR AWARD
Performance, and non-performance sportswear or ‘athleisure’ have grown extensively in recent years. Combined, ‘athletics’ and ‘leisure’ is clothing that was developed for sport activities but is worn in everyday life, or free time, or sportswear for non-athletic activities that have become increasingly seen in streetwear and on the catwalks. This award is open to all sportswear and leisurewear categories i.e. performance and non-performance sportswear, athleisure and leisurewear. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Sportswear & Leisurewear Award were:
Hannah Craggs, Youth Trends Editor at WGSN
Kamran Rajput, Wonderland Magazine and VIP Stylist
Sportswear & Leisurewear Award Finalists:
Ella Chick, Arts University Bournemouth
This collection explores both historical and modern Antarctic expeditions, looking at the exploration of Captain Scott, amongst other explorers and their photography of the past. As well as researching architectural floor plans and blue prints of modern ice station, to inspire heavy collection. The juxtaposition of these two elements has carried throughout my collection from the initial research to the design. From peak to pavement, our garments are inspired by outdoor elements to create versatile products. Urban eccentric, whilst sophisticated, this collection embodies both innovation and authenticity. Taking aspects of traditional menswear and historical references, yet twisting this with modern technical fabrics and innovative, striking silhouettes.
Kate Gedling, Northumbria University
Purposeful, responsible design is at the core of my personal practise and underpins the research and development of this ready to wear menswear collection. As we currently face the threat of a global climate crisis, this collection embodies fashion for the future by preparing us humans for the inevitable planet emergency. Full Circle is an A/W collection that stems from my grandad’s career in the high-risk industry of coal mining, drawing inspiration from the continuous organic cycle between extraction and exploration of the earth’s resources.
Shannon McGowan, Birmingham City University
“Albatross” evolved from my family's interest in the sport of golf. Influenced by the icon of the sport Tiger Woods, my aim was to merge golf wear and today’s sportswear trends with my passion for technology. My initial design development came from recycling and repurposing unwanted golf bags to create my silhouettes and develop the detail and form of my collection. Through a conceptual, sustainable 3D product development process using 3D software system Clo3D, the goal was to produce and manufacture a fun, unforgettable golf wear collection. Our ethos is to design to the needs of golfers and to adapt to today’s technology to produce clothing that makes a difference. The mission is to change the perceptions of golf wear and allow golfers to become more expressive and creative with the clothing they wear. As well as showing how technology has the potential to revolutionise the fashion industry.
THE DAVID BAND TEXTILES AWARD
The David Band Textiles Award will be presented to one student who creates a distinctive and thought-provoking exploration of the creative textile process, which aims to challenge the established boundaries of technical excellence. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the David Band Textiles Award were:
Polly Leonard - Editor of Selvedge Magazine
Davinder Madaher - Textiles Designer
David Band Textiles Award Finalists:
Amy Goacher, Kingston University London
Charlotte Banks, Manchester Metropolitan University
I spent a month in Florence over summer learning Italian because my parents live there. I used the time to carry out primary research. Florence is the centre of the Rennaissance and the countless galleries, palaces, gardens, buildings and statues that we see around the city first came to life in the 16th century. I discovered the Medici family, whose power and wealth as the rulers of the grand dukedom of the region of Florence, has fascinated us for centuries. The Medici family were generous patrons of art. Their story has become my narrative for my collection whilst their surroundings have informed the fabrication, from colour and print to the very processes I have chosen to use.
Hena Begum, University of Portsmouth
Modestly focuses on modest clothing and aims to allow individuals who observe modesty to be able to express themselves aesthetically through colour and silhouette whilst observing modesty. The collection aims to combat the lack of options for women when it comes to modest clothing, whilst also showcasing Islamic architecture and patterns through it. The collection celebrates inclusivity in the fashion industry, where modest fashion is becoming more and more popular. The collection eradicates the notion that modest wear is made up of muted colours and shapeless garments. In order to do this, a bright colour palette was introduced inspired by stain glass windows found in mosques. Geometric patterns were introduced by Islamic architecture found in mosques combined with images of nature to create layered prints.
THE GFF CHILDRENSWEAR AWARD
The nominees for the GFF Childrenswear award have been set the task of designing a childrenswear collection of twelve pieces or six outfits for babies or children up to the age of 8. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Childrenswear Award were:
Aimi Williams Smith - Head of Childrenswear and Menswear at Tu
Christine Hafsten - Design Director at Cath Kidson
Samantha Russell - TENS Studio
Childrenswear Award Finalists:
Charlie Watts, Cardiff School of Art & Design
Children all across the world are different but the one thing they have in common is their minds. The ability to create a crazy adventure from nowhere, but there are some children who are living these adventures. Hiking through mountains and chasing the wild children all live different livelihoods but that doesn’t affect the adventures.
Georgia Lewandowski, Coventry University
Kidswear by Kids and Me is a fashion project that explores the use of co-design with children. In my project, co-design is defined as a process of design and development that includes stakeholders such as businesses or customers during the creative stages to ensure the results meet the needs of the customer. This co-design collection intends to enhance the consumer’s experience in the marketplace by providing a more appealing active sector for children.
Sarah Leatherland, Northumbria University
This genderless childrenswear collection aims to display the irony of children wanting to dress up as adults whilst longing to“ grow up” too quickly. throughout my own childhood,i would always ask to wear my mum’s shoes or dresses and to play grown-ups. i would dance around the living room imagining life as an adult. We all wish we could go back to endlessly playing outside with nothing to worry about. The collection will be textural, fun and oversized, while still being appropriate for children. As well as being inspired by “ dad’s jeans” and “mum’s dresses”, Japanese streetwear also motivated this collection, inspiring colour choice and silhouette.
CONSIDERED FASHION AWARD
All works that celebrate sustainable, ethically aware and socially responsible products, media and marketing projects with a strong narrative that lowers environmental impact, and embodies and communicates sustainable and ethical practices. The presentation of your work must actively encourage and promote the benefits of ethical and environmental awareness. Meet the nominees!
Judges for the Considered Fashion Award were:
Christopher Raeburn, Found of Raeburn & Creative Director of Timberland
Patrick McDowell, Creative Educator, and designer
Considered Fashion Award Finalists:
Catherine Baldwin, University for the Creative Arts Epsom
GAL (Girls Against Leaks) is a not-for-profit, triple bottom line business selling stylish reusable period pants WHAT whilst giving back to help end period poverty. The function of the product is to absorb two tampons worth of period ow and protect the wearer from leaks, providing comfort through the use of breathable and non-toxic fabrications. Alongside this is the GAL PAL app where you can shop the products and track your cycle, whilst providing a learning and community space for the consumer. For those that menstruate and want a sustainable alternative to single-use sanitary products from a brand that gives back, empowers, and educates. The products are available direct to the consumer in the UK through the GAL website, or the GAL PAL app.
Madeline McKenna, Coventry University
After investigating the waste disposal on site during my placement year working as a Junior colour, materials and niches intern I decided to focus on developing a material from production waste that is non recyclable; Polyurethane Foam swarf dust from the automotive CNC process. I wanted to create a solution to non recyclable waste in the most sustainable way possible and working on how this could be applied to products in multiple industries, with initial focus on Fashion Technology products. I have produced six pairs of working modular headphones from automotive production waste.
Sophie Parnaby, Manchester Metropolitan University
Research has found that heavily embellished garments are commonly worn for a few occasions before they are sent to landfill, where the bead and sequin components, often made from plastic, will persist in the environment for hundreds of years. As part of my final collection, I developed an innovative manufacturing process to address this issue, providing a sustainable alternative to current, unsustainable embel- lishment production methods.
After discovering how 3D print technology is used in other manufacturing industries to reduce waste, I wanted to investigate how this could be beneficial to the embellishment industry. It is currently estimated that 33% of sequin film is wasted during the sequin punching process, resulting in a large quantity of plastic going to landfill before the sequins are even used to embellish garments. The additive nature of 3D printing means that embellishing fabrics using the technology is zero waste, as only the material needed is used.
THE ACCESSORIES AWARD
The Accessories Award sponsored by YKK, challenges applicants to bring a modern and directional approach to the accessories arena. Eligible categories include Millinery, Shoes, Bags, Belts and Jewellery. Meet the nominees below!
Judges for the Accessories Award Sponsored by YKK were:
Kei Kegami - Designer & Creative Director at YKK
Benjamin Hall - Footwear Designer and Lecturer at UAL
Accessories Award Sponsored by YKK Finalists:
Brandon Haley, De Montfort University
This Project was inspired by the Kimono with a broad history spanning centuries. I am intrigued by both the attention to detail in how a garment is treated, cut and folded, including the minimalistic aesthetic. The concept was to translate a clean simple looking shoe whilst underneath the making is very complex meaning the people looking at this shoe would want to know how its made. Creating some- thing different.
I wanted to create a shoe that has a new construction in the way in which the panels interlock and fold within each other. Kimono consists of 8 panels which my shoe also does. I used white leather to highlight the Vegetable Tan which I molded and hand stitched. I used a red YKK zip and red thread as it resembles wealth and authority. I wanted to see if there was a different way of constructing a piece of footwear, instead of the generic overlaying and stitching of panels I tried to nd a way of folding, interlocking and weaving panels of leather together to reduce waste and to make for easy construction that may look complex from an outside view.
Ella Hall, University of Brighton
My bag is an adapted version of a large fold-out angling tackle-bag, a key source piece from my collection archive. The bag has interchangeable and modular features, created by a number of chunky zips.
My aim was to introduce this piece of specialist kit to a new world. Through the idea of mixing functionality and practicality from angling equipment, with luxury menswear. The luxury element is introduced through the use of pure melton wool, as the body of the bag. Cotton webbing merges both ideas through its structural maintenance and soft quality. The robust and functional qualities are kept through the use of 5 bespoke YKK zips in 10mm. The zips are colour matched to the stone melton, with the olive taping giving a nod to the original bag. It is finished with 2 gunmetal release buckles which attach the bag to its coat, creating the backpack feature.
Ffion McCormick-Edwards, Arts University Bournemouth
Inspired by a personal upbringing of waterskiing on the lakes of Wales, sparked a strong curiosity of the vast amount of wetsuits and life jackets stored at home. Motivated by the aesthetic and character of all the neglected garments influenced the strong, exciting design behind each product. As a conscious designer, it’s important to reuse and recycle pre existing resources into innovative and contemporary pieces. Pioneering the reworking of vibrant, surplus fabric is a conscious work ethos behind the collection, ensuring there is life after the lake.
THE FOOTWEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY SIZE?
The winner of the Footwear Award, Sponsored by Size? will be the design concept for a unique and innovative footwear proposition that expands the boundaries of shoe-making to create the best possible environment for feet. Often the most beautiful and distinctive details are driven by a totally new approach to delivering functionality. Be creative, innovative and push boundaries.
Judges for the Footwear Award Sponsored by Size? were:
Daniel Langhorn - Multi-Channel Lead Size? & Footpatrol
Luke Matthews - Brand Manager and Buyer for Size?
Footwear Award Sponsored by Size?:
Anna Melegh, Northampton University
With my design, the goal was to create a comfortable piece which is more than a shoe. Just like I mentioned before I’m fascinated by the natural world, in particular varieties of bugs, butteries and the habits they live in. According to recent studies, “the world’s insects are hurtling down the path to extinction, threatening a catastrophic collapse of nature’s ecosystems. The rate of extinction is eight times faster than that of mammals, birds and reptiles. The total mass of insects is falling by a precipitous 2.5% a year, according to the best data available, suggesting they could vanish within a century” (Carrington, 2019).
The aim was to give spotlight for insects, as fashion has the power to highlight various issues and to raise awareness of the conservation and the beauty of nature and natural materials. Last year I had the chance to visit Iceland and visit their sh leather tannery which influenced my work, and I decided to make my own leather at home from the waste of the fishing industry. I believe the change for the Footwear industry; what we take from nature could return to nature.
Ellie Grey, De Montfort University
I have produced a Men’s footwear collection for my brand, Avant Gray; offering high quality products that are functionable, fashionable and as sustainable as possible. I carried out focused and directional research into Scandinavian design and furniture, focusing primarily on chair construction. Taking inspiration from silhouettes, construction methods and materials to create fresh footwear designs. I have created contemporary and innovative designs, influenced by the thematic research. Developing key design details, to create a brand identity which is recognised by consumers. I researched materials, consider ed sustainability which is a key principle of Scandinavian design and interesting material combinations as this makes for innovative design ideas.
Hyunjee Park, De Montfort University
The project is based on gothic architecture. To summarize the gothic architecture simply, it is religion and deep history. The origin of this building was built high with the desire of people to get a little closer to god, and it has been maintained solidly to this day, using interior constructions; arcade, triforium and clerestory and flying buttress to maintain this elevated structure.
The goal of this project is to melt the gothic architecture into my capsule collection. The exterior of the gothic looks sharp and high, but in fact, I got many pattern design ideas from the pointed arch of the interior structure and the ribbed vault, which looks like flowers. The capsule collections contain three designs such as, a high-heel design that represents gothic architecture's exterior which has a pointy and high. Second, a middle-heel design that depicts the feeling of triforium's window designs. Finally, I designed a trainer that goes well with the pointed arch and the smooth curved design.
THE ADAPTATION AWARD
The Adaptation Award has been created to celebrate students resourcefulness and problem-solving skills during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19. Graduate Fashion Foundation is aware that students final projects and planned outcomes have been significantly affected by the virus and the lack of facilities available to them. We are celebrating the excellent innovative work found on members courses, that was created in response to the current issues and constraints placed upon them. Projects that have been adapted to work within the situation. Meet the nominees!
Judges for the Adaptation Award were:
Gemma Metheringham - Creative Director at Label Mix
Dior Bediako - Founder and Director of Pepper Your Talk
Adaptation Award Finalists:
Denikah Gardner Dixon, UCA Epsom
My ideas and whole process was changed when the lockdown struck the UK. MY feminine collection was originally designed to use amazing embroideries from China and India. Because of the limitations on time and all factories closed, I decided to use my couture training as an assistant to create the embroideries myself by using applique, ribbons and lace fabrics which have been cut up and re-interpreted to amazing appliqués. The theme of Midsummer Nights dream has been realised more honestly through the new embroidery techniques I used.
Pippa Lee, Leeds Arts University
‘$%@*!’ is a luxury brand which creates a satire against the current trend which has oversaturated the luxury market, this trend is Logomania. The logomania trend originated in the 90s and was upcoming within its era, however today has morphed into a form of conspicuous consumption. Luxury brands are sticking a logo on a t-shirt and calling it “luxury” fashion. ‘$%@*!’ won’t stand for this. The brand is a complete satire against conspicuous consumption and luxury logo branded items found in the current market.
Stephanie Ransom, Arts University Bournemouth
Looking at the classic look of the biker wear and the tough, rebellious styles of the subculture has been brought together to create an innovated mens wear collection. My family is rooted in the british biker culture, each generation connected to it in their own way. Keeping the past alive and bringing it into the now. Using my father’s old biker clothes to drape, deconstruct and reconstruct oversized new garments. Collaging the past and the present elements of the biker essence. Hard protective textures rule these garments and are juxtaposed with rough knits and soft cottons.