The Chairman, Trustee board and staff team at Graduate Fashion Foundation are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vanessa Denza MBE on the 14th April.
"I have the warmest memories of a dynamic fashion personality, a champion of UK trained fashion graduates” - Douglas MacLennan
A Co-Founder of Graduate Fashion Week and British recruitment pioneer, Vanessa was a leader in supporting emerging talent and played a vital role in the creation of the GFW annual event and charity as well as being a pivotal link to industry by creating career pipelines. She has contributed tirelessly to fashion courses, helping place graduates in first jobs and given her time generously to supporting careers and British higher education institutions.
Vanessa worked within the fashion industry for over 40 years and was at the forefront of the clothing revolution working with industry leaders such as Celia Britwell, Emilio Pucci, Mary Quant and Ossie Clarke to name but a few. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Graduate Fashion Foundation Chairman Douglas MacLennan said, "I have the warmest memories of a dynamic fashion personality, a champion of UK trained fashion graduates, when in its’ infancy she nurtured, advised and promoted globally the topic Fashion Marketing. Our initial attainment of charitable status is due to Vanessa’s efforts, we the past/present Trustees and numerous fashion graduates far too many to name, have an enormous debt of gratitude to Vanessa a friend and champion of UK Fashion Higher Education."