Graduate Fashion Week is proud to announce its partnership with Tu at Sainsbury’s for the second year running. The 2017 partnership will see both a womenswear and menswear graduate receive a scholarship within the Tu design team, as well as embarking on a year-long mentorship with acclaimed British designers Henry Holland and Oliver Spencer.
The winning graduates will complete a paid 12 month placement with Tu’s design department, culminating in the launch of their own collection in-store. The winners will be coached by the in-house teams and gain insight into the fashion industry from buying through to design. In addition to this, Holland will also invite the womenswear winner to experience a day in his design studio, as will Spencer with the menswear winner. This follows the success of 2016’s winner, Genevieve Devine, who repurposed her winning final year collection for Tu at Sainsbury’s with mentoring British designer, Holly Fulton.
“I am delighted to be working with GFW and TU @ Sainsburys. This gives a great opportunity for graduates to get first-hand knowledge of working within the industry, from the factory floor to the shop floor. In an age where sustainability and quality are such a driving force it is important that we show the way for the next generation so they can tread a sustainable pathway within our industry,” says Oliver Spencer.
“I am thrilled to have been asked to be a part of the Sainsbury’s Graduate Fashion Week mentorship scheme. So much of my learning over the years has been learning from my mistakes so if I can help someone else not follow in my footsteps and guide them through the challenges in any way then I am so happy to be able to do so. I received nothing but help and support from so many people I encountered on my journey and I’m happy to be able to do the same for someone else. I’m excited to get started!” Henry Holland adds.
As part of the continued partnership, Tu at Sainsbury’s will be present during Graduate Fashion Week hosting a Tu hub within the sponsorship floor. This interactive space will be set-up for graduates to visit with their portfolios to obtain advice and apply for recruitment opportunities directly from the Tu at Sainsbury’s team as well as exciting masterclasses for all attendees. GFW will be taking place on the 4th-7th June 2017 at The Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, London.
