WINNER OF THE IST FAD GRADUATE COMPETITION
URBAN-CLASSICS

A student from Central Saint Martin’s has won the 2001 FAD Graduate Fashion Competition. Eyuuki Iyamamoto took his inspiration from the architecture of Canary Wharf for his designs. Colour, line and texture reflect the Wharf’s metal constructs; the resulting garments are tailored, rich and elegant. The judges commended not only Iyamamoto’s innovative and creative designs, but also the translation of the original idea into sophisticated, modern and wearable clothes.

The winner was chosen from 12 short-listed entries from students from top fashion colleges and universities across the UK. The judging panel, which includes Belinda Robertson, designer; Luisa de Paula, buyer at Selfridges; Richard Coleman, architect; Anthea Godfrey, London College of Fashion; Sarah Briggs from The Tate Modern;
Anthony Higgins and Louise de Caires from FAD, found their task of selecting a winner difficult because of the high standard of entries:

“All the short-listed designers are looking at successful careers in the fashion industry,” said judge, Louise de Caires:

Two runners-up were also chosen. Lucy Wells from Berkshire School of Arts and Design, whose designs were inspired by a revival of gothic architecture. Her jacket, made from ladies’ tights knitted together and sponge-painted, reflects the essence of St Pancras Station. Sally Roe from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design based her collection on stairwells - from the V&A Museum and the Monument – to re-create the feeling of spirals and traditional iron work.

The winner wins a cheque for £2,500 and a much sought-after work placement with a designer in Florence, Italy. The runners-up win £1,250 each with work placements with leading UK companies, Selfridges and Belinda Robertson.

The finalists’ event of the FAD Graduate Fashion Competition is taking place on 15th March at 6.30 pm at the Delfina Studios, Bermondsey, South London. All 12 short-listed entries
will be featured in a catwalk presentation and the winner and runners-up announced. The prizes will be presented by leading architect, Spencer de Grey from [Norman] Foster and Partners. No doubt he will be delighted that the winning entry is based on one of his company’s designs.