The next generation of designers from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) are showcasing their collections at the world’s biggest platform for new talent, Graduate Fashion Week (GFW).
Collections by 17 Fashion Design students from DMU will be strutted on the GFW catwalk by professional models, in front of industry talent-spotters, leading fashion houses and journalists, at 2pm on Tuesday.
Traditional tailoring with a twist is Hazel's signature style
Among the 17 students is Hazel Symons, who has also been shortlisted for the boohoo.com Fashion Innovation Award for her tailoring and traditional sewing methods.
She will present her ideas to the judges during GFW and the winner will be announced at the Gala Awards Show on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old said: “Making it into the final 10 for this award is a great achievement for me and it really feels like I’ll be leaving DMU with a bang.
“Being selected for GFW makes all the hard work worthwhile and I’m excited to finally see my collection on the catwalk.”
Hazel’s designs have steadily gained attention, including making finals of the national Lakeland Leather competition, being shortlisted for the Golden Shears award recognising the best new tailors in Britain, and earning £150 in DMU’s annual Roadley Awards supporting student innovation.
Annabel's collection channels industrial machinery
Selected from a total of 39 entries by a panel of industry judges, DMU's other GFW finalists are: Natalie Trigwell, Annabel McLeod, Laura White, Demi Womack, Raquel Sutherland, Laura Newland, Holly Borg, Jessica Pennington, Laura Dickinson, Beth de la Mare, Sophie Bailey, Gemma Weston, Megan-Jane Duke, Esmee Ford, Hannah Edgar and Emily Curtis.
Annabel McLeod’s unusual collection is based on the powerful machinery invented by Winston Churchill’s scientists.
She feels she was destined for GFW, saying: “I went to GFW when I was still at school and I remember being struck by how quirky DMU’s catwalk show was. It inspired me to choose DMU and now I feel like everything has come full circle.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunities GFW will bring and I’m feeling excited about the future.”
Demi's colourful designs reflect the lifecycle of garments
Inspired by the lifecycle of a garment from production to its daily use, Demi Womack’s colourful collection cleverly features inner details, such as facings, on the outside.
Demi said: “It’s really rewarding being selected for GFW and I’m excited to see who we meet from the industry and to get our names out there.”
Raquel Sutherland’s designs are inspired by ‘pretty’ accidents like spilling water on hand-scribbled notes and incorporate carefully-balanced glass structures, which were designed and made in collaboration with final year Design Crafts student, Alice Heaton.
She said: “One of the coolest parts of GFW is being in front of all the industry people you wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet.”
Unusual glass structures adorn Raquel's collection
Driven by the idea of embracing chaos, Holly Borg’s vibrant collection is entirely printed. She has aspired to GFW since her first year at DMU, after supporting her third year mentor through the catwalk journey.
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Holly said: “After working as hard as physically possible for three years, I still didn’t believe I would through to GFW.
“I’m so grateful to have been picked and above all, I’m so proud of myself for everything I’ve achieved. Being picked to represent DMU in this way is such a big achievement.”
Holly's bright collection embraces chaos
Examples of other talented Fashion Design students' work will also be available to browse at DMU's GFW stand, F34, from Sunday to Wednesday.
DMU is one of 40 universities taking part in GFW, which showcases the work of more than 1,000 of the very best young designers and attracts more than 30,000 guests each year.
Known for bridging the gap between graduation and employment, GFW is responsible for launching the careers of some of the world’s most successful designers, including Christopher Bailey, Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald.
Posted on Friday 3 June 2016