This year sees new brands flock to support Graduate Fashion Foundation, the charity behind Graduate Fashion Week, and the emerging young talent it represents. Specsavers, Matalan, Jack Wills and JD Sports Fashionare the latest leading retailers to get involved in the four-day event that aims to bridge the gap between graduation and employment, joining the likes of Ralph Lauren, L’OréalProfessionnel, Mothercare, YKK and size?.
Graduate Fashion Week are excited to welcome back Clarks for the third year as the official Catwalk Hall partner as well as sponsoring ‘The Footwear Award’. New for 2019, Specsavers will be present during Graduate Fashion Week showcasing the new Design Collective collection for 2019 on their stand, where graduates will have the opportunity to enter this year’s Design Collective Competition. Matalan will host a series of Q&A sessions with experts from the brand across different departments, as well as hosting a series of interactive workshops for graduates to get involved in and show their creative flair.
Returning for a second year, Ralph Lauren will be partnering with Graduate Fashion Week on a talk during the event and a stand onsite for graduates to visit with their portfolios and obtain advice and insight into what it takes to run a globally successful designer brand. FatFace returns for a second year running their successful GFF T-shirt competition that will see two winning students designs sold across FatFace stores nationwide. L’Oréal Professionnel return to Graduate Fashion Week with a talented team, creating the iconic catwalk hair for all 23 shows taking place over the event, while charity member institute Solent Univeristy will provide the make-up artists for all make-up looks across the shows from their renowned BA Hons Make-Up & Hair Design degree course.
Drapers will continue its partnership with Graduate Fashion Week, returning with an interactive stand where graduates can see available industry positions and speak with the team, gaining valuable insight and advice on a career in fashion. Returning for 2019 are streetwear specialists size? who will be sponsoring the ‘Styling and Creative Direction Award’ and the popular ‘size? Terrace Bar’. Premium fashion retailer Tessuti are partnering with Graduate Fashion Week for the second time, continuing to sponsor the “Sports and Leisurewear Award” as well as offering opportunities for paid placements during the event, hosting a series of inspiring interactive events and sessions as part of their VIP bar.
JD Sports Fashion, the umbrella group of Size? and Tessuti, join GFW as a new sponsor for 2019, with a stand within the sponsorship floor. The space will be set-up for graduates to visit and discuss career opportunities and placements within the wider JD Sports Fashion team and to learn more about the opportunities available in the sports and leisurewear market. Parenting retailer, Mothercare, will be sponsoring the ‘Childrenswear Award’ once more, while YKK is sponsoring the ‘Accessories Award’ for the third-year running.
Leading British retailer Jack Wills joins GFW for the first time, bringing its effortless style to the sponsorship floor with a fun interactive stand. They will be running live t-shirt customisation workshops as well as showcasing their new campaign shot by photographer Paul Weatherall. Taking a stand showcasing ethical and sustainable fabrics, Lenzing are sponsoring Graduate Fashion Week for a third year alongside TENCELTM. Talent Tin is new for 2019 GFW, connecting fashion brands to the world’s most creative talent.
Premium Italian accessories brand Crisden partners with GFF, supporting the new ‘International Artefacts Award’ with three $500 winners in Fashion Product Design, Concept and Materials & Embellishment. Luxury cruise line Cunard will also be partnering with the Graduate Fashion Foundation for its 2019 Transatlantic Fashion Week taking place 28 July – 4 August on board the iconic luxury ocean liner Queen Mary 2. Six graduates, selected by the Graduate Fashion Foundation and Colin McDowell MBE will have the opportunity to showcase pieces from their graduate collections via a stunning runway show during the week at sea.
Special thanks also goes to Sainsburys for supplying beverages for the Chairman’s GalaDrink Reception, Can O Water for supplying Graduate Fashion Week with resealable recyclable water and Twinnings for providing tea and refreshments in the VIP lounge, backstage and Media Hub.
