As Graduate Fashion Week 2017 comes to a close, the winners of this year’s Gala Awards are announced, celebrating the talent of tomorrow with stars such as Maddie Williams, Daniel Rynne and Irene D’Antonio. Judges included Sarah Harris of Vogue, Sadie Frost and Holly Fulton, with the awards taking place at the home of Graduate Fashion Week, The Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London.
Martyn Roberts, Managing Director of Graduate Fashion Week said, “Graduate Fashion Week 2017 was a huge success. We saw so many graduates being offered jobs. We’ve seen so many companies come here, work with them and help them on their way. When you see the show and you see the talent, you’ll realise the future is exciting and there’s so much potential.”
The prestigious Christopher Bailey Gold Award was awarded to Halina North of Edinburgh College of Art, for her womenswear collection due to her strong catwalk input and originality, excellent craftsmanship and creativity. Halina also won the Hilary Alexander Trailblazer Award as her collection combined catwalk impact, creativity and craftsmanship. She said: “I am over the moon, I cannot believe I won The Christopher Gold Award and Hilary Alexander Trailblazer Award. My collection is sustainable and that’s what I endeavour to carry on in my future designs.”
The Debenhams Menswear Award was presented to Daniel Rynne of Arts University Bournemouth for his thorough concept and research, attention to detail and real understanding of menswear. The M&S Womenswear Award was presented to Irene D’Antonio of Edinburgh College of Art for her combination of technique, sophisticated execution and self-expressive designs. The Visionary Knitwear Award was presented to Ruth Williams of Edinburgh College of Art as Ruth took knitwear beyond the confines of expectations, and her imagery was exciting, seductive and modern. The Catwalk Textiles Award went to Maddie Williams of Edinburgh College of Art for her well-crafted collection and technical skill.
The George Catwalk to Store Award went to Laura Capello of Bath Spa University, the Bonmarché Fashion For All Award went to Caroline Bowden of University of Central Lancashire and the Mothercare Childrenswear Award went to Catherine Watts of University of Salford. The Clarks Footwear Award was awarded to Megan Davies of University of South Wales, the TU at Sainsbury’s Womenswear Scholarship went to Laura Gillings of Bath Spa University and the Tu at Sainsbury’s Menswear Scholarship was awarded to Amy Vonderwel of Nottingham Trent University.
