I am delighted that a collection of well-constructed blouses accented with bow-ties, lace bib-collars and multi-folds, have won Rebecca Thomson, a BA (Hons.) Fashion graduate from Manchester University School of Art, the top prize at the Graduate Fashion Week gala show held at Earls Court in London this week. Congratulations to Rebecca, 22, for winning not only the River Island Gold award but also £20,000. Italian designer Alberta Ferratti of the judging panel said she appreciated Rebecca's strength in putting alot of effort and emotion into her garments. Citing Betty Jackson as her favourite designer, Rebecca said inspiration came from photographer Roman Vishniac's work documenting Jewish children in Eastern Europe and Rackham's 1930s book illustrations. It has been a busy week at the
Graduate Fashion Week and thanks to the continued sponsorship of UK retailer
River Island, it has been another successful event. The Gala Show was a glittering affair for many wonderful talented designers from the UK and abroad to show their creativity to potential employers. With an estimated 3000 fashion students graduating every year it’s tougher than ever for individuals to break their way into the industry. Richard Bradbury CBE, River Island CEO said he hopes their sponsorship "allows us to give students a spring board to start their careers, whilst allowing us the opportunity to source talent for all areas of our own business.”
At the pre-show cocktail event, I caught up with Terry Mansfield, chairman of GFW and he acknowledged that the industry is challenging but employers should recognise that these design talents are assets and are the future. "My message to all potential employers is this - they got to take a chance on these new creative talents." He also said current government statistics state that the creative industries accounted for 6.2 percent of UK Gross Value Added in 2007 and, calculated as a percentage of GDP, the UK has the largest creative industries sector in the world. In addition to 40 universities and fashion colleges from across the UK, the show also gave platform to six universities and institutes from around the world, representing France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, and Singapore. Many of their graduates also took part in the gala show. For a full list of award winners, go to the
Graduate Fashion Week website. Do check out the slide show of the GFW Gala Show highlights (all photos by Lucia Carpio) posted above.
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