GFW 2008 – What people thought
12-06-2008

But what did everyone think about this years event? We did the rounds to see what the general opinion was and as you can see from the quotes below there was a mixed response……
Joyce Thornton WGSN
‘This year is much more grown up. I did love it in the park in Battersea but Earls Court is a fantastic place which is much more accessible, there are more people here and that is what Graduate fashion Week needs. The standard of work this year has been head and shoulders above previous years, it just gets better every year. Generally fantastic.’
The National Magazine Company
‘There has been a great response to our stand this year. We have had fashion editors talk about their roles to graduates which has been fantastic. The students are able to gain work placements in the magazine world and that is what it’s all about; getting graduates into industry.’

Becky Adams, Course Leader, The Arts Institute Bournemouth
‘This is a very beneficial week for students; it is amazing with many opportunities opening up for them as a result. The standard has been really high; a great eclectic mix of ideas all under one roof.’
Alan Holmes, Course Leader, Manchester School of Art
‘It is good here because it is very convenient; near the tube and hotels, the only thing is you are not able to lie on the grass like at Battersea! The shows have been very interesting. For me as a course leader on a new course at Manchester it is the only opportunity to come to London and to see what everyone else is doing.’
Agape Mdumulla, student, Manchester School of Art
‘It is ok here although I did prefer Battersea. It had a better atmosphere and was welcoming.’

Andrew Tibble, Student UCCA
‘Earls Court is very accessible. There is better lighting here and it’s more spacious. There is some good stuff around but I was shocked by the winners, I though they were very bland and it seemed they were awarded for not thinking out of the box.’
Stephanie Pit, Fashion Design graduate, De Montfort University
‘Graduate Fashion Week is very tiring but very rewarding! There has been a good standard of work here this year.’
Paul NcNicoll, Tutor, De Montfort University
‘What is nice about being here is it benefits all. The facilities are fantastic here. The shows this year were very successful; it is really interesting to see how much more everyone ups their standard. The menswear has been amazing.’
Lee Harding, 27 Tutor design, Birmingham University
'Awful, no atmosphere, air conditioning is terrible! It's sterile and lacks intimacy. However the connections are better and so is the transport.
Fashion photographic student Beth 21 Southampton Solent University
‘It’s a bigger place and feels more like an event. But I much preferred the setting of Battersea.’

Delphine Wilson, Head of Fashion, Liverpool John Moores University
‘Bigger, brighter, easier and more accessible but I preferred the greenery at Battersea park you could go outside and chill with friends.'
Alison welsh, Tutor, Manchester School of Art
‘Easier to get to looks more grown up and professional. Stands all look incredibly slick this year.’
Glenda Brindle Head of Design dept UCLAN
'Not fashionable enough, Battersea seemed better for GFW more of a fashion feel.’
So there you have it, another year goes by and overall a great success! See you next year!