Northumbria University students scoop fashion awards

Jun 15 2009 The Journal

Fashion design students from Northumbria University scooped four top accolades at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week in London. Francesca Craggs caught up with the fashion faces of the future.

Dulcie said: “I was quite shocked when my name was called. We had to base our collection around a made-up story, and mine was about a man that became so depressed that he hunched over and his limbs fused together. I used some feminine floaty fabrics but in masculine colours, and lots of metallics. It’s a young collection that re-invents tailoring. It was very nerve-wracking but fantastic to see my work on the runway. The models really pulled it off.”

Nicola scooped the Fashion Innovation Award for her “excellent combination of fashion, science and technology, together with a practical use of contemporary processes and flawless execution.”

Judged by Martin Raymond, The Future Laboratory, Gary Aspden from Adidas and designer Markus Lupfer, the award was created last year to recognise new endeavours within the field of fashion.

Christina, a fashion marketing student, picked up the Per Aquum Creative Marketing Award.

Fashion course leader at Northumbria, Chris Hodge, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled and still on a high. We are particularly thrilled that Charlotte picked up one of three big prizes. The standard was very high this year and Northumbria has had an excellent response from industry professionals, programme leaders from across the UK, and the media.

“We put out a very diverse show exhibiting a broad range of techniques.

“Our stand attracted a lot of attention from representatives from the likes of Nike, Paul Smith and the high street who were interested in offering potential positions. It’s been a great success all round.”

As well as a cash prize, all winners were offered invaluable future support from the GFW Mentoring Panel.

Northumbria fashion students will be showcasing their final year designs on three runway shows at the Civic Centre on June 25 at 1pm, 5.30pm & 8.30pm.

For tickets visit the website at www.northumbria.ac.uk/fashionshow