GFW Partners with Tu at Sainsbury’s

15-05-2017
This means that the winning womenswear and menswear fashion design graduate will receive a scholarship with the Tu design team and a year-long mentorship with top London Fashion Week designers. The womenswear graduate will be mentored by Henry Holland, while Oliver Spencer has been named as the menswear mentor. The graduate winners will be coached by the in-house Tu teams and will gain insight into the fashion industry from buying though to design. Both graduates will complete a 12-month placement and create a Graduate Fashion Week collection for Tu’s SS18 range. In addition to this, Holland will also invite the womenswear winner to experience a day in his design studio, as will Spencer with the menswear winner.
“It’s wonderful to be part of Graduate Fashion Week for another year as we deepen our commitment to supporting new design talent. Good luck to all graduates participating, we look forward to meeting you, viewing your collections and guiding you through your first foray in the fashion industry.” Commented James Brown, Director of Commercial for Sainsbury’s.
Henry Holland and Oliver Spencer
Henry Holland said: “I am thrilled to have been asked to be a part of the Sainsbury’s Graduate Fashion Week mentorship scheme. So much of my learning over the years has been learning from my mistakes so if I can help someone else not follow in my footsteps and guide them through the challenges in any way then I am so happy to be able to do so. I received nothing but help and support from so many people I encountered on my journey and I’m happy to be able to do the same for someone else. I’m excited to get started!”
Oliver Spencer added: “I am delighted to be working with GFW and Tu at Sainsbury’s. This gives a great opportunity for graduates to get first-hand knowledge of working within the industry, from the factory floor to the shop floor. In an age where sustainability and quality are such a driving force it is important that we show the way for the next generation so they can tread a sustainable pathway within our industry.”
Tu Design team at GFW
As part of the continued partnership, Tu at Sainsbury’s will be present during Graduate Fashion Week hosting a Tu hub within the sponsorship floor. This interactive space will be set-up for graduates to visit with their portfolios to obtain advice and apply for recruitment opportunities directly from the Tu at Sainsbury’s team, as well as exciting master classes for all attendees.
Tu at Sainsbury’s will also be hosting engaging talks within the GFW Talk Live! studio with key industry and team members. They include ‘Gok Wan The Inside Story’ and ‘Gok Wan Panel Talk – The Truth on the Fashion Industry’.
Graduate Fashion Week 4th – 7th June – Truman Brewery, 1, Hanbury Street, London E1 6QL.
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