Graduate Fashion Week is pleased to announce that British high-street retailer Marks & Spencer will be the joint principle partner of the charity for the third year running, sponsoring the acclaimed Womenswear Award. M&S sponsorship shows their support and commitment to education and new talent within the fashion industry and to help create a pipeline of future designers and skilled workers. During the 2017 event, Marks & Spencer awarded five placements of 3 to 6 months duration, including:
- Irene D ’Antonio, Edinburgh College of Art – Overall winner of 2017 M&S Womenswear Award who received a 6 month Womenswear placement
- Claire Tagg, UCA Rochester – Runner up of 2017 M&S Womenswear Award who received a 3 month placement
- Charley Chiddle, De Montford University, who received a 3 month placement in Lingerie
- Halina North, Edinburgh College of Art – Gold Award Winner who received a 3 month Womenswear placement
- Robin Brook, Leeds University, who received a 3 month placement in Kidswear
Marks & Spencer is again sponsoring the Womenswear Award, offering one lucky winner a work placement of up to 12 months and a £5,000 prize, with the winning university also receiving £1,000. The award will be judged on Wednesday 6th June and announced on the catwalk at the renown Gala Award Show that same evening.
As part of the continued partnership, Marks & Spencer will be present during Graduate Fashion Week hosting a branded M&S hub within the sponsorship floor. This interactive space will be set-up for graduates to visit with their portfolios to obtain advice and learn more about the Marks & Spencer Business. The brand will also be hosting four engaging talk slots within the GFW Talk Live! studio with key industry figures such as Twiggy and plus size influencer Danielle Vanier, as well as established members of the M&S team.
