This year’s edition of Graduate Fashion Week came to a close last night with its Gala Awards ceremony, hosted by Henry Holland and Zara Martin. During the 4-day event the work of the very best talent from 40 of the UK’s premier fashion and design universities and 16 international universities could be seen, making it one of the most un-missable events of the calendar for both the international fashion contingent and the general fashion loving public.
This year the event celebrated 22 years of British trained fashion talent passing through its doors, culminating with the announcement of the Award Winners, including the prestigious GFW George Gold Award, whose recipient will receive a life changing prize of £20,000 – the largest prize in British Fashion Education.
GEORGE GOLD AWARD
Lauren Smith, Edinburgh College of Art
Fiona Lambert, George Brand Director, commented: “We’ve had a fantastic week meeting all of the graduates and seeing their work. We’ve been genuinely amazed by the quality, creativity and professionalism of this year’s graduates. We chose Lauren as the George Gold Award winner because her designs reflected her character and showed real vision and craftsmanship. I’m looking forward to working with her and producing her range for George and George.com.”
“We all thought that Lauren’s collection was fantastic! What we liked particularly was Lauren’s mind connection through her doodles – you can see it in her leather work, print and appliqué. We could see a very clear thought process throughout the collection, great originality. Lauren was one of three really stand out collections for me. I think that overall the George bursary is a wonderful platform to give home grown talent a chance to flourish”, said David Walker-Smith.
WOMENSWEAR AWARD
Hannah Williams, UCA Epsom
“We thought that Hannah’s collection was extremely original very photogenic, modern and innovative using great new techniques in fabric innovation which can be seen through accessories and shoes. Overall the nominations were very accomplished and of a very high standard”, states Cathy Edwards.
MENSWEAR AWARD
Shauni Douglas & Olivia Creber, Edinburgh College of Art
“From concept to catwalk the quality and finish of this collection was of an exceptionally high standard. Shauni and Olivia demonstrated an ability to play with proportion which is most unusual for BA graduates. This collection showed a really strong visual concept and superb craftsmanship our vote was unanimous!”
