On Monday 21st May, the recruits of FAD’s Fashion Futures 2012 project attended a very British celebration at the Fashion & Textiles Museum to mark the end of the first stage of workshops.

On the night over one hundred young people attended alongside industry supporters, teachers, family and friends. They were treated to British themed canapés and drinks as well as free entry to the ‘Designing Women Exhibition’.

The night culminated with the announcement of 26 finalists, 20 from London and 6 from Greater Manchester, who will go through to the catwalk final at London Fashion Week this September.

The finalists were presented with their certificates by FAD Executive Director Maria Alvarez and Designer Nicola Jones, representing George at Asda, who are official sponsors of the project. Meet the 26 finalists here.

On the evening it was also announced that George are working in collaboration with FAD on a series of opportunities for FAD students at Graduate Fashion Week 2012, which they are also headline sponsors of. This includes a mentoring scheme which will see 10 FAD teens paired with George designers over the course of 12 months, where they will be given personal careers advice and support to gain a future in the creative industries.

For more information on Graduate Fashion Week and up to date news from Fashion Futures 2012 please visit the FAD blog.