Staffs students make their mark at Graduate Fashion Week
Staffordshire University fashion designers are making a statement at Graduate Fashion Week 2023.
BA (Hons) Fashion students are in London this week for the largest showcase of graduate fashion talent in the world. It attracts 20,000 guests, features 17 catwalk shows, university and brand exhibition stands, alongside a packed schedule of talks, masterclasses and workshops from leading names in the fashion and retail industry.
Awards – judged by a panel of industry experts – are also presented to the best portfolios and projects.
Final year student Diana Kibangou Obondji scooped the ‘Culture and Heritage Design Award’ for her fashion collection TENE TI ZOH which draws on her experiences of growing up in Congo and now living in the UK.
Supported by Burberry, the award provides a platform to promote an awareness of race and ethnicity, embrace and acknowledge different experiences and cultures, while highlighting the limited diversity of people within leading fashion industry roles.
Diana commented: “I felt really emotional when my name was called out. Especially because of what the collection means to me. Culture and heritage to me is everything and I try to incorporate it in all that I do so being recognised by big industry names, like Burberry who have been such a successful brand remaining true to their heritage, is just incredible.
“I am feeling really grateful in this moment and thankful to everyone that pushed me into doing my best. Especially the team at University which supported me so much, with my project and collection and just pushed me to achieve my potential.”
Dr Julie King, Executive Dean of the School of Digital, Technologies and Arts, said: “I am delighted to hear of Diana’s prestigious award from Burberry. Her collection highlighted the use of traditional materials in contemporary garments to create a fusion of materials and cultural references. The award will undoubtedly provide a fantastic start to Diana’s career in fashion.”
Hosted by the Graduate Fashion Foundation, Graduate Fashion Week attracts a wide array of top industry professionals, press and recruiters from UK and abroad who use this opportunity to discover talent, as well as offer exciting graduate employment and placements opportunities.
Final year Staffordshire University students are showcasing their work on the catwalk and meeting industry contacts, while first and second year students are undertaking work experience backstage throughout the week.
Rachel Heeley, Fashion Course Leader, added: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for students – it is the first time their work is being physically showcased in such an environment. The event is open to the public and industry professionals, so it really does give students the opportunity to make the next step on their career ladder.”
Discover more about studying BA (Hons) Fashion or register to visit an Open Day.
Amy Platts
Media Communications Officer
t: 01782 292702
m: 07799 341911
e: amy.platts@staffs.ac.uk
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