University News Last updated 07 June 2019
A Birmingham fashion student who created a clothing range inspired by engineer overalls, has been crowned overall winner of a prestigious industry award.
Birmingham City University Fashion Design student Greg Brears impressed judges with his workwear collection for men to scoop the Best Menswear prize at Graduate Fashion Week.
The range drew inspiration from sculptor Antony Gormley, whose best known works include the ‘Angel of the North’ and Birmingham’s iconic ‘Iron Man’ statue.
As the world's leading event celebrating the creativity of students and graduates within fashion, Graduate Fashion Week showcases work from the talent of tomorrow and has been responsible for launching careers of successful designers including Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson.
“My ‘Panelled Engineer’ collection is situated around the engineering aspect of Antony Gormley and the fabrication of his artwork,” said 22 year-old Greg, who hails from Crowle in North Lincolnshire.
“I undertook research into the process and materials used throughout his work and also regarding the workers themselves and their uniform.”
Pieces in Greg’s collection feature enlarged pockets, buckles and leather chest panels.
“In the future I’d love to continue designing workwear and utility wear, because I enjoy making things functional and using heavy detailing”, added Greg.
“I personally like movement in my clothes, so loose fitting clothing is generally what I like to design.”
Judges of the prestigious menswear award included: Kamran Rajput, Fashion Editor of Wonderland; Senior Creative Director of H&M, Petter Klusell; Creative Director of Wrangler, Sean Gormley and Barry Jordan, Vice President of Design for Menswear at Ralph Lauren.
Fellow student Ciara Neale, who studies Fashion Business and Promotion at Birmingham City University, also picked up a Graduate Fashion Week award in recognition of her innovative ideas for a new sexual health app, encouraging influencers to share more than fashion tips.
Find out more about fashion courses at Birmingham City University’s Open Day on Saturday 29 June.
Image credit: Simon Armstrong.