University News Last updated 09 June 2009
The next generation of fashion designers will launched at Birmingham City University's Graduate Fashion Show next week.
Forming part of the New Generation Arts (NGA) Festival, the catwalk extravaganza will showcase the brightest emerging fashion talent today, and has previously been championed by industry heavyweights including designer Betty Jackson local supermodel Erin O'Connor.
Taking place on 17 June, 20 of the hottest new designers will be showcasing their debut collections on the catwalk, catapulting them into the public eye and allowing all to view their directional and contemporary creations.
With current students gaining valuable industry experience in placements at Stella McCartney, Giles, Erdem and Vivienne Westwood, it's no wonder Birmingham City University's finest fashion protégées have also gained a slot at Graduate Fashion Week, a week ahead of their major show at the New Generation Arts Festival. Last year's graduates have gone on to work within the industry with jobs at Steel and Jelly, eco-friendly label Komodo and Ralph Lauren.
Lee Lapthorne of On|Off fame is once again offering his inimitable services to the show this year. Branded "one of the country's top 50 design talents" by Design Week, Lapthorne's past clients include top design houses Karen Walker, Boxfresh and Gucci, and he has worked on events such as the Clothes Show Live, Graduate Fashion Week and the Selfridges Attitude Show. Lee said: "I am delighted to be involved in this year's Graduate Fashion Show. Having worked with Birmingham City University for several years, I feel that the standard of the show production and the creative quality of the students work, meets the high expectations of the industry and I am confident that this professional show will inspire and wow the audiences."
Birmingham City University is a hotbed of creative talent - this year proving no different! The Fashion Show forms a part of the New Generation Arts Festival, a 16 day festival which celebrates youth, diversity and the rise of digital culture. Already renowned as the vanguard of creative content, the NGA festival notoriously championing the independent cause of showcasing the brightest talent, from graduates to emerging international stars. Previous celebrity supporters include social commentator Germaine Greer, comedian Frank Skinner, artist Anthony Gormley and author Philip Pullman.
Taking place on the 17 June, the New Generation Arts Festival fashion show is an event no-one can afford to miss.
Notes to the editor:
- Birmingham City University's Graduate Fashion Show is on 17 June at the CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF
- The shows are scheduled for 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm (VIP event) respectively. Tickets are £10.
- Press are invited to attend and there will be photographic opportunities at all shows.
For more information contact:
Issued by Birmingham City University Media Relations Office.
Tel: 0121 331 6738
Email press@bcu.ac.uk
Out-of-hours: 07967 271 532