Graduate designers set to showcase their designs at a four-day London event

Graduate designers from across the UK will be showcasing their designs at a four-day event in London next month.

Graduate Fashion Week bridges the gap between study and employment and has helped launch the careers of some of the nation’s most successful designers including Christopher Bailey MBE, Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald.

This year’s event kicked off with the Talent of Tomorrow campaign photoshoot, bringing together influencers and models including the Frow’s Victoria Magrath, artist Jade Pearl, and the Evening Standard’s fashion and beauty writer Chloe Street to model designs created by the students.

Many of the designs focussed on using ethically sourced materials and sustainable methods to create eco-conscious designers. Others used unusual methods such as laser-etched wood detailing to make their work stand out. Graduates from Kingston University, Nottingham Trent University, University of East London, Edinburgh College of Art and Leeds Arts University took part alongside one student from the Accademia Costume & Moda, Italy.

The students were also encouraged to get involved and help shoot behind the scenes videos as well as assist with hair and makeup and styling alongside professionals such as Erika Astrid, Jennifer Mertens and hair stylist Sky Cribbs-Jackson.

Nicholas Kristiansen, from Falmouth University, worked as an assistant photographer on the shoot.

He said: “I have been really excited to assist someone who I have been looking up to and admiring their work for some time. Having the opportunity to work alongside Erika so closely, seeing how she works and getting to know her as been an amazing experience.”

Graduate Fashion Week takes place June 2-5.