Graduate Fashion Week 2007 – The Gala Show
07-06-2007
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The obsession with Ms Beckham was clear for all to see, many an eye looked her way as she sat in the front row and chatted to Glenda Bailey and Zandra Rhodes. Whether she is qualified to judge our latest batch of grads is up for debate but whatever your views her attendance certainly upped the press coverage – good news for all concerned. However, let’s hope the column inches are filled with more than quips on her latest skirt length.
A dominant topic noted in the exhibition this year was sustainability and green fashion practices. Students from various colleges were invited by main line sponsor River Island to create a complete outfit from found sources. The recreated pieces were displayed alongside the main catwalk.
The London College of Fashion stand, meanwhile, was composed by recycling 120 copies of the 2006 Year Book. The neon pink and black stand certainly caught the attention of David Dalziel who presented The Dalziel + Pow Stand Award to the College, no easy feat as the standard was extremely high, in particular from Northumbria College and UWE Bristol.
Due to fantastic press and public demand organisers had to schedule 2 gala sittings. Presented by Caryn Franklyn, industry faces included the likes of Hilary Alexander, Suzy Menkes, Colin McDowell and Jimmy Choo – it’s London Fashion Week all over again. The shortlisted show included some stunning draped dresses layered with romantic ruffles in cream and black by Lilli Rose Wicks, Somerset College of Design. A show-stopping burlesque inspired collection featuring swirly metallic prints on second skin catsuits from Sara Nowell, Northumbria University. Plus a return to the 80s via ghetto blasters, lycra, hoods and block colour thanks to Julia Ison-Stierer, Westminster University.
Award Winners 2007
Strategic Marketing Award
Sarah Hawkins from Northumbria University
Creative Marketing Award
Ravi Khanna from Nottingham Trent University
Daiziel + Pow Stand Award
London College of Fashion
Jon Adam Fashion Portfolio Award
Luke Miller
Society of Dyers & Colourists Colour and Textile Award
Lindsey Pinder from University of Northampton
Mulberry Accessories Award
Rachel Dougherty from Northumbria University
Boris Trambusti Fashion Imagery Award
Lindsay May from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
The National Magazine Company “First Word†Journalism Award
Olivia Bergin from London College of Fashion
Media and Design Award
Zoe Jeske from College for the Creative Arts at Epsom
Visionary Knitwear Award
Lilli Rose Wicks from Somerset College of Arts & Technology
Zandra Rhodes Catwalk and Textiles Award
Jessica Clarke from Manchester Metropolitan University
River Island Runners-up Award (Receiving £2,000)
Kelly Shaw from University of East London
River Island Gold Award
(A surprising decision to split the award with each graduate receiving £10,000 each)
Nicolas Thomas from UWE, Bristol
& Jasper Chadprajong from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
The split top prize went to menswear designer, Nicolas Thomas for his colourful take on knitwear and in the womenswear camp – Jasper Chaprajong with his sporty luxe collection that featured oversized hoods and tablecloth prints.
Caryn Franklin commented how “Richard Bradbury (MD River Island) and his team have provided huge enthusiasm and commitment to Graduate Fashion Week.†While Victoria Beckham went on to say she found the standard of designs on show “phenomenal.â€
Graduate Fashion Week was held at Battersea Park Arena, London. Original garments from this year’s graduates will be available to buy at a pop-up shop in the Contemporary Department of Selfridges, Oxford Street. The GFW pop-up shop will open on October 1st for one week only – don’t forget to make a note in your diary.
By JoJo Iles
Catwalk images by Hugh O’Malley
Tel: 07766753300
