UCA Fashion Students to Showcase at LFW
12-01-2016
As two of just 17 finalists from across the country, Rochester student Charlotte Goodayle and Epsom student Mary Maggs have fought off competition from over 100 submissions this year. Both designers responded to the 2016 FAD competition brief of demonstrating a ‘sense of place’.
Charlotte, who studies BA (Hons) Fashion Design at UCA Rochester, was inspired by the River Thames for her collection.
“I decided to create a collection based on things that wash up from the river, as I walk by it every day,” explained Charlotte, 22 and from Gravesend. “It incorporates an eclectic mix of things, from knitted rope to graffiti, all with a rebellish punk undertone.”
Charlotte’s submission was a series of portfolio images and a film displaying a range of fabric techniques to emulate a ‘washed-up’ look, and she presents sands, felting and paint to create texture in her designs.
Epsom student Mary, 21 and originally from Northamptonshire, found her inspiration from a recent exhibition at The Whitechapel Gallery entited The Kindred of the Kibbo Kift which focused on the group movement in the 1920s.
“The Kibbo Kift was like an alternative to scouts, but unlike the majority of similar groups at the time, the Kift allowed women, men and children of all ages,” said Mary, who studies BA (Hons) Fashion. “They had ambitions for world peace with a large appreciation of nature and handicraft, and partook in activities such as hiking, camping, wood carving and leather work.”
Focusing largely on archery, one of the Kibbo Kift’s activities, Mary design’s feature leather sleeves with hand-braided and stitched techniques. Her collection also explores metallic foiling and boxy oversized silhouettes to reference the tabards that members of the Kibbo Kift wore.
Described by Vogue.com as an “undeniable springboard” for young designers, the FAD competition has chosen fashion students from UCA as finalists for the past five years. Charlotte and Mary will now create two pieces for their collections which will be showcased on the catwalk at London Fashion Week.
“Being able to show a collection under my own name at London Fashion Week is a real honour and something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Charlotte, who aspires to set up her own womenswear design label one day. “I’m absolutely over the moon and looking forward to making the garments.”
Finding out about the competition from her tutors, Mary learnt the skills she needs to create her collection whilst on her degree at UCA.
“My course has helped me so much for the competition, not only learning the technical skills such as flat drawings, sewing construction and pattern cutting but it’s also broadened my knowledge of the fashion design process and allowed me to develop my own style of working,” said Mary. “The guidance and support from my tutors and technicians has been invaluable.”
The winner of the FAD competition receives £1000 and the two runners up secure £500 each. The overall winner will be announced after London Fashion Week.
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