The 26th edition of Graduate Fashion Week, the largest platform in the world for new BA fashion talent, kicked off on Sunday, 4th June 2017 at The Old Truman Brewery in London. Chairman of Graduate Fashion Week, Mark Newton Jones summarised the day by stating: “I have been overwhelmed, given the terrible incident Saturday night in London that it hasn’t stopped people from coming along.”
After a day packed with events, catwalks, displays, interactive events and tutorials, the first set of Daily Awards were announced by influencer and InStyle.co.uk Fashion Director, Josh Newis-Smith. “We have the best talent in the UK due to the great university system for fashion across the board, from design, styling, swimwear, lingerie to new media and marketing – it offers something for everyone,” he comments. “In its 26th year, Graduate Fashion Week is bigger and better than ever. It is now receiving international attention and people come from all over the world to discover new talent. That’s why I believe we should celebrate it and that’s why I’m here to support it.”
The Boux Avenue Swimwear Award was won by Lucy Watkins from De Montfort University for detailed designs and use of colour and Boux Avenue Lingerie Award was given to Charley Chiddle also from DMU for her technique in 3D printing. Both awards were judged by Boux Avenue’s very own Debbie Duckett, Alex Paphitis and Caroline Rothwell.
Other awards presented on the night include the David Band Textiles Award, won by Stefan Efobi from Manchester School of Art, the New Fashion Media Award won by Chie-Ling Shek from the University of Central Lancashire, and the Dame Vivienne Westwood Ethical Award, won by Catherine Watts from University of Salford.
