UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 14 MARCH
Fashion Business and Promotion student Tara Warby has gained “invaluable” experience working on the On|Off showcase at London Fashion Week.
London Fashion Week celebrated its 40 anniversary this year and is a global showcase of fashion talent, featuring menswear and womenswear designer collections.
This year, the event featured 107 brands, 94 physical and 19 digital activations, with the On|Off showcase spotlighting emerging fashion designers, supporting and mentoring them to present their collections.
Tara gained the opportunity to support artist and designer Jack Irving, who typically creates futuristic wearable art and installations inspired by deep sea life and nature. Jack has collaborated with a string of A-listers such as Lady Gaga.
Tara said: “I was really fortunate to be offered the opportunity to assist with On|Off's London Fashion Week show with Jack Irving.”
Tara continued: “My role entailed assisting the production team, liaising with external companies regarding the set, and researching various options. On the day of the show, I assisted the Head of Production, helping to organise the event to ensure everything ran seamlessly. It was a great opportunity to network with a diverse range of professionals, providing me with invaluable insights into their roles.
“The show itself was incredible, envisioning a future world through the integration of real-life models into the metaverse. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered, it showcased a new alien species.
“It was amazing to experience the show first-hand and speak with Jack to gain a deeper understanding of the process that led to the show's creation. Overall, it was a great opportunity that allowed me to become a part of the fashion industry and contribute to a significant event.”
On|Off was founded and directed by Head of the College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles Lee Lapthorne, and has showcased many of the most exciting emerging international fashion designers of their time.
It also offers introductions to key industry experts, support in business set-up, links to production and manufacturing, marketing advice and access to business professionals and mentors via networking.
Pictured: Jack Irving's collection 'Amphitrite'