UEL students showcase designs on fashion's greatest stage
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Published
16 June 2022
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It was an evening to remember. A visual tapestry referencing everything from identity, culture, diversity, roots, and intersectionality that saw students from the University of East London join the global fashion conversation.
Making history by becoming the first cohort from the University to showcase at London Fashion Week, the BA fashion students put together a collaborative catwalk, which unveiled a bold and daring new generation of talent.
Staged on Saturday evening (11 June) in a disused office building at Broadgate, the collective show of emerging designers - each limited to four looks - was a visual feast.
The result of their final year's work, the looks fizzed with an authenticity and originality that the fashion world craves, and which delighted the packed audience comprising guests, press, stylists, casting agents and buyers.
Designer Jack Murphy was one of the students who sent pieces down the catwalk. His collection The Fairytale of Male tells a story of those who leave behind a small-town life to seek thrill and adventure, all seen through a fantastical lens. Each piece is informed by Welsh heritage costume and features a combination of classic tailoring techniques and intricate embroidery.
Speaking about the opportunity, Jack said, "To show on the London Fashion Week schedule was absolutely stellar. It was so inspiring. Right up until my pieces hit that runway, I felt like it was a blur of rushing and dressing and finalising details. But when my garments did hit that runway it just felt unbelievable.
"As each look went out, and I saw the collection move as one, I was just so overjoyed and emotional.
"The after party was amazing as well; I got to meet so many interesting people, all with vastly different perspectives on my pieces and how they related to them personally. It was just wonderful overall. I couldn't have imagined a greater calling card into the industry."
The University's head of fashion Beatrice Newman from the School of Arts and Creative Industries said, "The UEL Fashion Design showcase at London Fashion Week went down a storm over the weekend.
"The 300-plus guests in attendance were keenly anticipating what UEL Fashion had to offer - and they weren’t disappointed.
"A sea of uniqueness, culture and diversity was praised by industry and, quite rightly, they are eager to see what's next for fashion at UEL for next year.
"It has undoubtedly been a wonderful experience for the students who lived the moment and received praise for their work. Some are already starting their careers with orders for their designs coming through.
"Congratulations to all staff and students, and special thanks to British Land/Broadgate, British Fashion Council and Madame F wines, who contributed to the success of Studio 2022!"
The University's exciting and edgy BA Fashion Design programme is one of the leading courses in the UK. It offers emerging fashion designers the opportunity to study both traditional and innovative practices in fashion design, development, pattern cutting and digital design.
The department's extensive links to industry offers students unique placements, internships, networking and pitching opportunities to ensure they are fully equipped to forge successful careers in the industry.
The University's industry partners include: British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week, Sarabande Foundation, Bianca Saunders, ASOS, United Kingdom Fashion & Textiles, Fashion Minority Report, and French Connection.
Images:
- Main image: Designs by Jack Murphy as featured on the recent catwalk at London Fashion Week
- Top image: Designer Omotoyosi Adekoya shows pieces from Meet the Medley: Chapter 2 Hope
- Middle image: Designer Gaius Nwaiwu's Igbo Cultural Design collection
- Bottom image: Designer Elizabeth Majiyagbe shows garments from The Truth About My Sunday Wear
- Hair and Makeup: Solent Pro Team
- Show Stylist: Steven Huang
- Photography: Chris Yates