University News Last updated 07 June 2013
Top fashion brands and employers have heaped praise onto Birmingham City University’s students following a spirited display of catwalk colour and creative flare at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week (2-5 June) in London.
The annual event showcases the work of over 1,000 students from some of the most influential universities in the world, with 22 catwalk shows and an exhibition representing over 40 universities.
The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) exhibited student fashion portfolios to more than 20,000 visitors and generated intense industry interest.
Nathan Jones, Design Tutor at Birmingham City University, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level of interest from top designers and retailers at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week.
“Eight of our students are now in interviews with Abercrombie & Fitch, and Ted Baker has asked us to work on a collaborative project with them. Gucci Group are thrilled and want four students to interview, and Vogue Italy want to feature six of our students in their ‘Best of British’ talent page.”
Birmingham City University was further recognised for its catwalk achievements by numerous commentators, including the editor of MyDaily, Sara McCorgudale. She said: “At Birmingham Institute of Art and Design's catwalk show it was hard to decide what you didn't like.
“Amy Scapen Feloy's cut-out leather jumpsuit. So beautifully made, instantly wearable yet completely unique. Bravo! As for Phoebe Stonehill's work? Sexiest collection we've seen all week.”
Covering Birmingham City University for the Graduate Fashion Week Blog, Brooke McCord said: “Already featured on the drapers.com Graduate Fashion Week preview and named as one to watch, Hannah Adams’ avant-garde menswear collection, ‘Hell Hath No Fury Like Man Devalued,’ saw futuristic colourful geometric patchwork morph suits, layered with more traditional tailoring with innovative cuts.”
Chris O'Neil, Executive Dean at BIAD, added: “We’re incredibly proud of our graduates’ achievements, which have clearly impressed industry and spectators alike.
“We believe our students’ work is strengthened by an excellent curriculum, expert staff, and an all-encompassing approach to theory, design, production and retail. With our imminent move to Birmingham City University’s new Parkside Building city centre campus, I believe we’ll just keep getting better.”