Graduate Fashion Foundation Announces Winners of 2020 Awards During Live Streamed Ceremony at Samsung Kx in London
As Graduate Fashion Foundation’s activities for the Class of 2020 during London Fashion Week comes to an end, the winners of this year’s GFF Awards were announced in a live-streamed show from SamsungKX the home of innovation.
During a social distance ceremony, following government guidelines, GFF celebrated the ‘Talent of Tomorrow’ with the graduate award-winning stars, alongside GFF charity president Hilary Alexander OBE, GFF Chairman Douglas MacClennan and Global Ambassador Caryn Franklin MBE.
This year, the GFW 2020 Awards were revised to a full digital criterion to reflect the Covid-19 situation and the national change to all final year students delivery of their final degree projects, which were completed from home. Five new awards were added, including the Adaptation Award, Fashion Illustration Award, Fashion Concept Award Range Plan Award and Technical Drawing Award to support the loss of manufacturing awards usually award to catwalk collections.
Judging was completed in June via zoom and socially distance judging sections, where industry experts including Henry Holland, GFF President Hilary Alexander OBE, designers Christopher Raeburn, Priya Ahluwalia, Bianca Saunders, David Koma and Patrick McDowell, stylist Rebekkah Roy, as well as team members from Tu, Getty, Size?, YKK and more.
Now in its 29th year, Graduate Fashion Week brings the latest innovative and exciting emerging talent to the world’s attention, showcasing the talent of tomorrow. GFF is supported by 10 Global Ambassadors and 7 Lifetime Patrons including Christopher Bailey MBE, Victoria Beckham OBE, Vivienne Westwood OBE RBI, Nick Knight OBE and Dame Zandra Rhodes. GFF are excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the GFW in 2021.
“We have been blown away by the innovation, resilience, creativity and determination displayed by the Class of 2020,” said GFF President Hilary Alexander OBE. “Not only have they completed their university careers by adapting to the current climate, but the incredibly high quality of the work produced has exceeded our expectations. We’ve been very impressed by the Class of 2020 and we’re excited to continue supporting them as they enter the industry.”
THE AWARD WINNERS
The Fashion Concept Award is a new award that has been created to celebrate the research and concept development that must take place in order to produce a cohesive and well thought through collection. The judges were Rebecca Hitchings, Trading Director – Clothing and Jewellery at Tu, Rob Jones – Co-Founder and Designer of Teatum Jones and Fabio Piras – MA Course Director at Central St Martins. The winner is Vick Batey from Sheffield Hallam University.
Vick Batey said on winning, “Growing Up Northern’ was inspired by my family members, especially my Nan as a Northern women herself and how she provided for the Batey family. Discovering a box of old family photos in my Nan’s cupboard unearthed lots of wonderful shared memories and so the concept began. I’m absolutely delighted to win the GFF Fashion Concept Award. I was up against so many other talented students. The graduates of 2020 have overcome many challenges and disappointments during this Covid-19 pandemic, so thank you to the Graduate Fashion Foundation for the additional awards this year, that have allowed more of us to showcase our work.”
The Fashion Range Plan Award is another new addition this year, created to celebrate and showcase the creative practice of a range plan illustration and recognize the value it holds. The judges were David Koma – Designer, Priya Aluhwa – Designer and Diana Kakkar – CEO of Maes London. The winner is Sarah Williams from the University of Northumbria.
Sarah Williams said on winning, “After 5 years of hard work in fashion education and an unexpected end to my final year it feels amazing to receive some recognition for my achievements, which wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing tutors and technicians at Northumbria University. I am so proud to have won the Range Plan Award and I have really enjoyed the process, particularly having the opportunity to present my work to industry members and gaining some amazing feedback. After winning the award I feel optimistic for the future and excited for what’s to come.”
The Fashion Technical Drawing Award is a new award that recognises the important role technical flat lay drawings play a huge part within design and manufacturing roles in the fashion industry. The judges were Bianca Saunders – Designer and Mustafa Fuat – MD of Gosha London Ltd. The winner is Emelia Johnson from De Montfort University.
Emelia Johnson, said on winning, “The announcement that I had won the fashion Technical Drawing Award was truly overwhelming. I am deeply moved and so grateful to have been selected amongst other graduates nationwide as the winner for such a prestigious award. Being chosen for this title that specialises in such a complex part of design makes me very proud. Especially to have been recognised by the judges themselves, that are leading in the fashion industry. At such a difficult time for myself as a 2020 graduate, it has given me so much confidence and a unique achievement that will remain as one of my most successful accomplishments during my time on my fashion degree course.
The Fashion Illustration Award celebrates the graduates who communicating their collection design concepts through fashion illustration and recognises the presence of the ‘illustrated image’ in the contemporary fashion industry. The judge was Samantha Piras – Creative and Technical Illustrator at Vivienne Westwood. The winner is Jasmine De Baeza from UCA Epsom.
Jasmine said on winning, “I’m so overwhelmed to win this award I honestly can’t believe it, I’m so grateful for all the amazing tutors at UCA Epsom that have made this possible! I can’t wait to see what happens in the future. Thank you so much!”
The Fashion Digital Portfolio Award is presented to a well-executed digital portfolio that demonstrates an individual and creative identity and communicates the process from concept through to the final presentation. The judges were Henry Holland – Designer and GFF Ambassador, Ida Petersson – Director of Menswear and Womenswear Buying at Browns and Caren Downie – Brand Director, Founder and Consultant. The winner is Megan Andrews from the University of Northumbria.
Megan said on winning, “I am extremely honoured and grateful to have been announced as the winner of the ‘Digital Fashion Portfolio’ Award. After working hard to make the best of a challenging year, it is immensely encouraging to be recognised at a national level for the determination, attention to detail and creativity that I put into my final year work. Completing my degree in isolation throughout lockdown was a new and sometimes difficult experience; and so I see this award as being a very positive counterpoint to the often-downbeat spirit of this year. I am very thankful to the Graduate Fashion Foundation for giving me this opportunity. I had such a positive experience being given the chance to present my portfolio to industry professionals and receive some valuable feedback.“
The Fashion Innovation Award support by Samsung UK has been created in 2020 to more fully embrace the innovative work found on members courses. The judges were Gok Wan – Creative and GFF Ambassador and Hilary Alexander OBE – Journalist and GFF President. The winner is Sophie Parnaby from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Sophie also scooped the Considered Fashion Award celebrating sustainable, ethically aware and socially responsible products, media and marketing projects with a strong narrative that lowers environmental impact, and embodies and communicates sustainable and ethical practices. The judges were Christopher Raeburn, Found of Raeburn & Creative Director of Timberland and Patrick McDowell, Creative Educator.
Sophie said on winning two awards, “It honestly feels amazing to have won the Innovation and Considered Design awards. I’ve been developing more sustainable manufacturing methods using 3D print throughout final year, so it’s been a great experience having the opportunity to present this whole development process to the industry judges. My interest in sustainable design has advanced during my time studying at Manchester. It means a lot to win the considered design award for this reason, it’s great to be able to contribute research and this process is something I’d love to take forward to have a positive impact on the industry. I started experimenting using 3D printers just under a year ago, so it’s crazy looking back to see how much I’ve learnt about this technology in the past year. It’s been a challenging year and I never expected to be finishing my degree at home, so it’s a really positive way to finish having my work recognised by graduate fashion foundation.”
The Fashion Communication Digital Portfolio award recognises a well-executed, stylish, and professionally presented digital Communications portfolio that communicates the thought process and the development from concept to final ideas. The judges were Maurice Mullen – Head of Luxury Fashion at Evening Standard & GFF Trustee and Fiona Hurst – Senior Design Director at ForPeople Ltd. The winner is Olga Petrusewicz from Arts University Bournemouth.
Olga said on winning, “I’m so excited to be a winner of the Fashion Communication Award. Having such an unexpected end of the whole degree, it feels particularly special to be recognized for the work and the concept I’ve been developing for the past year. It’s been an amazing journey which I will definitely treasure for a life. It wouldn’t have happened without the amazing people who I collaborated with and constant support from my friends and tutors. Thank you for constantly pushing me to create the best possible outcome! “
The Fashion Marketing Award is presented to a creative digital submission that demonstrates knowledge of the stages and promotional methods required in launching a campaign for a new product or service. The judges were Pam Wright – Luxury Marketing and Branding Consultant and Frederica Brooksworth – Learning & Development Strategist and Founder of The Fashion Scholar. The winner is Annie Taylor from Nottingham Trent University.
Annie Taylor said on winning, “I am so humbled, shocked, and excited to have been announced as the GFF Fashion Marketing Award winner amongst the UK’s most creative and talented graduates. Completing my degree from home following the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging to say the least, so to have the work I produced during this time selected as the winning entry by industry professionals is beyond rewarding. I can’t thank my university tutors, family, and friends enough for their support, alongside Graduate Fashion Foundation for offering me such an amazing opportunity. It really is my greatest and proudest achievement, so I’m eager to find out what the future holds for me now.”
The New Fashion Media Award recognises that digital media is a dynamic and flourishing part of the fashion industry, so this award is presented to the voice of a new generation in fashion media. The judges were Rachael Sealy – Founder of UK Afrolista and Ella H – Founder of Authentically Ella. The winner is April Howie from the University of Central Lancashire.
April said on winning, “‘Winning the Digital New Media Award is absolutely incredible and a dream I have had since applying to university. I have absolutely loved my studies at UCLAN and always admired final year students when they got to go to Graduate Fashion Week and here I am, I can’t believe it. I felt extremely passionate about my project ‘FACE IT – Fresh air is free’ and my hard work has really paid off. I am so grateful to all my amazing tutors at UCLAN for allowing me to really grow as a person and to expand my knowledge, I have left university confident and ready for industry. I am also extremely grateful to Graduate Fashion Foundation for giving myself and other graduates a fantastic platform to show our work, even during these difficult times they have still stuck by us and that is pretty incredible. Here’s to the class of 2020 we smashed it! ‘
The Fashion Photography Award supports the ever-increasing number of graduates communicating their concepts through fashion photography and celebrate the presence of the ‘image’ in the contemporary fashion industry. The judges were Edward Smith – Brand partnerships & Publicist Liaison at Getty, Gareth Catemole – Chief Entertainment Photographer, EMEA at Getty and Lisa Marie Ray – Senior Director, Entertainment EMEA & Global Video at Getty. The winner is Tabatha Lopez Palmby from the University of the West of England.
Tabatha said, “I am very thankful to the judges and everyone from the GFF, who worked hard in ensuring this event still took place. The award to me means a lot of things. Most importantly it has helped me achieve personal and professional self-development. It has taught me to push my boundaries beyond my comfort zone and has proved to me that it is truly possible to achieve anything you desire when working hard. Given the unfortunate circumstances that have evolved this year, I have learnt that no matter how difficult the task or how impossible it may seem, you should never give up because the outcome will always be worthwhile. I am excited for what the future holds.”
The Fashion Publication Award is presented to a graduate who produced an inspiring and innovative digital fashion publication that resonates with the industry and intended audience. The judges were Isabella Silvers – Associate Editor at Hearst and Rhona Ezuma – Founder of THIIIRD Magazine. The winner is Ella Kenneally from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Ella said on winning, “I have been attending Graduate Fashion Week since the age of 11 and never thought I would be on the receiving end of an award. Fashion publications have been a huge part of my life, I have always been infatuated with the physicality, beauty and importance of them and have consistently wanted to construct my own message and place in the industry, through my creations. I try to give a voice to those often overlooked in society and work with them in a way they want to be seen and not a way society dictates. By winning this award it shines a light on those important voices I try to so hard to project and give a platform to. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share my work and have it recognised throughout the Graduate Fashion Foundation. The award is not only for me, but for all those I create work with, about and for.”
The Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award asked for submissions of portfolios that included two editorial stories that addressed a wide variety of issues and narratives and demonstrated the ability to communicate the needs of the client. The judges were Hilary Alexander OBE – Styling, Journalist and GFF President and Rebekah Roy – VIP Stylist. The winner is Daisie Jacobs from Leeds Arts University.
Daisie said on winning, “It feels like a huge achievement to have won such a coveted award off the back of producing work that has very personal roots. For me the fashion industry has at times felt vapid and commerce-centric, but it feels really encouraging to be a part of the next generation of fashion creatives who I feel will continue to shape the industry in diverse and mindful ways. Winning this year feels particularly poignant given the obvious set backs and adversity we have faced as the Class of 2020, and I am so grateful for the consistent and continuing support from my tutors at Leeds Arts University and the GFF community.”
Sportswear & Leisurewear Award is open to all categories, including performance and non-performance sportswear, athleisure and leisurewear. The judges were Hannah Craggs, Youth Trends Editor at WGSN and Kamran Rajput, Wonderland Magazine and VIP Stylist. The winner is Katie Gedling from the University of Northumbria.
Katie said on winning, “It has been a crazy final year of uni. I was absolutely honoured and amazed to be a finalist of the Sportswear and Leisurewear award, never mind to actually go and win it! I am so grateful for the opportunity to present my work to industry professionals and receiving the award has just been a brilliant ending to the experience.“
The David Band Textiles Award is presented to one graduate who creates a distinctive and thought-provoking exploration of the creative textile process, which aims to challenge the established boundaries of technical excellence. The judges were Polly Leonard – Editor of Selvedge Magazine and Davinder Madaher – Textiles Designer. The winner is Hena Begum from the University of Portsmouth.
Hena said on winning, “To have won the David Bands Textile Award during such a difficult time means so much to me. All my hard work and effort has really paid off but I definitely could not have done it without the support of my family, friends, lecturers and technicians at Portsmouth University. I have proved to myself that when I put my mind towards a goal I can achieve many things, which is an important lesson I will take away from this experience.“
The Childrenswear Award tasked applicants with designing a childrenswear collection of twelve pieces or six outfits children up to the age of 8. The judges were Aimi Williams Smith – Head of Childrenswear and Menswear at Tu, Christine Hafsten – Design Director at Cath Kidson and Samantha Russell – TENS Studio. The winner is Georgia Lewandowski from University of Coventry.
Georgia said on winning, “Words can’t describe how proud I am of myself. In such a tough industry getting recognition for your hard work sometimes goes a miss. Elated for my achievement, this will open up a magnitude of the opportunity and provide me with a massive platform within the industry to share my work. This recognition is not only exciting but it motivates me to continue my journey in the industry, striving for new and exciting projects to work on.“
The Accessories Award sponsored by YKK challenges applicants to bring a modern and directional approach to the accessories arena. Eligible categories include Millinery, Shoes, Bags, Belts and Jewellery. The judges were Kei Kegami – Designer & Creative Director at YKK and Benjamin Hall – Footwear Designer and Lecturer at UAL. The winner is Ella Hall from the University of Brighton.
Ella said on winning, “Winning the YKK Accessories Award means an incredible amount to me. Like many other fashion students this year I sat in my bedroom day and night putting my pieces together, sleeping (somewhat) and sewing, all in the same room. With all the uncertainty of the situation, I honestly wasn’t sure what the outcome. Never did I expect to be nominated for an award, let alone win it. Despite the difficulties, I’m so grateful to where it led me, and I just really want to thank my family for supporting in every way they could, my brother for his obsession with carp fishing, without it my collection wouldn’t have been what it was and of course, my tutors at The University of Brighton, for always guiding me to the best outcome, and supporting us however they could through digital means.”
Footwear Award sponsored by Size? goes to a design concept for a unique and innovative footwear proposition that expands the boundaries of shoe-making to create the best possible environment for feet. The judges were Daniel Langhorn – Multi-Channel Lead Size? & Footpatrol and Luke Matthews – Brand Manager and Buyer for Size?. The winner is Hyunjee Park from De Montfort University.
Hyunjee said on winning, “I am so grateful to GFF and want to say it is a great honour. I still feel incredible and cannot believe it. This award has a great significance that made me realize my potential as a designer, infinite creativity, and my constant passion. Through this award, I was able to look back on myself and see my passion, creativity and potential. I am very grateful for having dared to take part in this award, but I would like to thank GFF once again. I will try hard and become a designer who can show new categories to the industry.”
The Adaptation Award been created to celebrate students resourcefulness and problem-solving skills during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19. The judges were Gemma Metheringham – Creative Director at Label Mix and Dior Bediako – Founder and Director of Pepper Your Talk. The winner is Stephanie Ransom from Arts University Bournemouth.
Stephanie said on winning, “This year has been a roller-coaster to say the least, these past few months have been really unpredictable and tough for everyone. There were many times that I felt really uncertain about my future as a designer and how things would change with my degree and industry. However Through the amazing support of my university and its digital resources I was able to adapt to the new normal of Covid 19. I was able to fully realise my collection on a digital platform. Covid-19 has taken away so much but in a lot of ways it has opened up doors that have allowed me to explore new ways of working. Winning this amazing and meaningful award with GFF has allowed me to now showcase my work and finally see all the months of hard work come together. It shows that no matter what happens in life creativity will find a way to shine through. Thank you so much to GFF for this incredible opportunity. “
International Award Winners:
The new International Digital Fashion Portfolio Award celebrates a well-executed, contemporary and professionally presented digital fashion portfolio that demonstrates an individual and creative identity, whilst communicating a thinking process from the concept ideas, through their development to the final presentation and layout. The winner is Hikari Morigami from Osaka Institute of Fashion
Hikari said on winning, “Thank you so much to GFF. I’m very honoured to receive this award. I had been looking forward to going to London to participate, and it is unfortunate that I couldn’t say thank you in person. I still have a lot of growing and learning to do, and this award is a really incredible symbol for me to continue on this journey. I’m very grateful.“
The International Range Plan Award has been created in 2020 to celebrate and showcase the creative practice of a range plan illustration and recognizes the value it holds. We are keen to support International graduates communicating their planned final collection vision of garments and outfits through a line up or a range plan image. The winner is Zhijie Yao from Donghau University.
Zhijie said on winning,” I am very honoured to be the winner of International Range Plan Award. In this special period, it is the best inspiration for me that my graduation work can be recognized by the judges, and gives me confidence to keep going. Through GFF, I have seen many young designers who are struggling just like me. I believe we will bring you more surprises in the future.”
The purpose of the International Artefact Innovation Award sponsored by Crisden is to highlight this important area, promote the institutes and their graduates who contribute to the research and development of not only shoes and bags, but the wider perspective of this exciting area of international fashion. The GFF 2020 jury at Crisden identified three winners each to receive award in the following areas of Innovation:
Material: Carla Bore from Lissa Mode Paris
Carla said on winning, “I am so honoured to be chosen as a winner of Innovative Artefact category Materials. Winning an award from Graduate Fashion Foundation is an incredible chance to be recognized as a young talent in the Fashion Industry by a jury of professionals, and the occasion to be promoted and encouraged as a future fashion designer and to get more opportunities. Working on the Innovative Artefact Award project was really a great experience I enjoyed during the lockdown. I love to develop innovative concepts and experiment textiles with uncommon materials and techniques.”
Concept: Felicia Agatha from Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore
Felicia said on winning, “I would like to say thank Graduate Fashion Foundation and Crisden for selecting me as one of the International Artefact Innovation Award winners. It is a great honour and a privilege. Recognized for the hard work, dedication, and courage that goes into it, it motivates me to push further and aim to create more. The award further validates my positive outlook about the future and becomes a commitment to experiment more. I am looking forward to seeing more innovations coming from other fashion designers.”
Product: Alessia Di Secli from Accademia Costume Mode
