Host, Caryn Franklin kicked off the show by introducing GFW19’s top 25 collections. “The finish is spectacular, the details are amazing” said Caryn, and they certainly were.
Opening the show was Edinburgh College of Art’s Alexandra Fan with her impressive workwear collection, made from biodegradable latex. Throughout the Best Of GFW catwalk there was an array of incredible collections. Radka Blazickova’s recycled plastic collection reminded us of the plastic crisis, whereas others like Sophie Robinson’s collection explored knitwear.
Then it was time for the exhibition awards. We first heard from Jamie Windust, the 2018 winner of the Fashion Communications award. His publication, ‘Fruitcake’ opened a market for the non binary and LGBTQ+ communities. Since the win, Jamie has been featured in Dazed, GQ and is now working with Gucci. “GFW continues to show, not just the UK but internationally, just what graduate talent can do” said Jamie.
The winners of GFW19’s Exhibition Award Show:
New Fashion Media Award: Ciara Neale, Birmingham City University
“I am happy to have the opportunity to show my creativity to the world, and I’m especially proud of the fact that I can be part of this new generation of talents. I am absolutely thrilled for the award and I cannot wait for every opportunity that will come next.”
Sports & Leisurewear Award sponsored by Tessuti: Katherine-Jayne Watts, University of Portsmouth
“I want my work to inspire the industry to do better, I hope to influence the fashion world to do better and I think I can contribute to a better, greener future. I think the fashion world is capable of innovation and within such an industry I would love to be able to continue developing my ideas.”
Fashion Design Portfolio Award: Jasmine Bennett, Northumbria University
“It feels amazing to have won! I wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m so excited to be moving to Stockholm to start my job at H&M in August working in childrenswear design!“
Fashion Communications Portfolio Award: Lucy Neville, University of Central Lancashire
Fashion Photography Award: Feiyi Huang, University of Brighton
“Feiyi blew me away with her portfolio — it was utterly amazing. She knew technique, she knew lighting, she styled it herself. each picture had a story and the presentation was magnificent. It was unanimous!”
— Joe Alvarez, Fashion Photography Award judge
Childrenswear Award Sponsored by Mothercare: Bethany Dodd, Northumbria University
David Band Textiles Award: Alexandra Fan, Edinburgh College of Art
Fashion Publication sponsored by Drapers: Ryan Hyde, Norwich University of the Arts
“It means so much to win this award — I didn’t expect it! My project came a long way in a short amount of time. It means so much to know that people like my work and I’m excited to start looking for new opportunities!”
Considered Design Award powered by Farfetch: Jainelly Portocarrero Torres, Ravensbourne
“Jainelly’s entry was a combination of both a sustainable brand and a service and it had a great combined fashion and business model. I’ve been so excited by the fact that sustainability has woven it’s way into so much of the student’s work in all shapes and forms, it’s very encouraging to see!”
Fashion Marketing Award: Bella Bond, University of Leeds
“I’m shocked and over the moon. I feel like all my hard work throughout the year has paid off and it’s amazing to be here and see everyone elses work. I’m really grateful!”
Fashion Styling & Creative Direction sponsored by Size?: Aoife Malone, Heriot Watt University
“I’m so exciting, my mum will be over the moon! I’m planning on moving to London or New York next, but I was just speaking with the Size? Team and they’d like to work together in some way so that’s really exciting! My plan eventually is to go into creative direction.”
YKK Accessories Award: Dimitri Gabellier, De Montfort University
“My experience at Graduate Fashion Week has been incredible, it was amazing to see everyone else’s designs, and I have been here from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday, but the hard work has paid off!”
The Crisden Innovation Awards: Alice Paris, Accademia Costume & Moda, Kayla Donaldson, College for Creative Studies, Beatrice Marini, Istituto Europeo di Design - IED Moda Milano
Written by Chloe Ford, Sara Liberati and Faith Richardson