2020 is a tough year to be graduating. Lockdown interrupted final year student’s graduate collections, and left many without access to the support and equipment they needed to complete their work – and there’s been none of the usual graduate catwalks or exhibitions. We’ve been impressed, though, at the creativity and resilience that graduating students have shown and the innovative ways they’ve found to realise their ideas, and we’re very proud of our Fashion Futures graduates who are marking their graduation milestone this year.
We caught up with 5 of our alumni who are graduating this year.
Nurdan Sinal (Fashion Futures 2015)
Graduating from BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology: Womenswear – UAL London College of Fashion
“’Culture in my wounds’ is a project reflecting my identity and captures who I am as a designer. The collection is an expression and the opposite feeling of oppression; liberation. Liberating the female body through modesty and my Turkish culture and what that feels like when it is a choice rather than a must. Coming from a strong Turkish background wanting to merge the beauty standards of urban London with my heritage. Using restriction in juxtaposition with jersey to show that even though something may look uncomfortable it can become comfort mentally and physically. Hand beading each veil with the symbolic “EYE AM WOMAN” logo developed by me to show how I regain my power of my stereotype through the garments I make and also honour women everywhere.”
Daisy Haggerty (Fashion Futures 2016)
Graduating from BA (Hons) Fashion Design, Nottingham Trent University
“My work exemplifies how future, more sustainable fashion systems could work, and how multifunctional, personalisable garments are one way to a better fashion future. My ‘Dare Ya’ jacket is inspired by the DIY ethos of the punk movement and features detachable panels that the wearer can style and experiment with to satiate their fashion craving without buying an entire new wardrobe every season. The garment is sustainable from start to end, using industry offcuts of leather and denim, and is easy to mend.
Taking part in Fashion Futures gave me confidence ias I tried out new things without fear of failure or pressure of grades! Working with professionals in a studio environment was so exciting and left me wanting do to more. Seeing my work walk down the catwalk at fashion week was a fantastic opportunity and really inspired me to continue on with fashion. The FAD summer workshops FAD enriched my knowledge and skill set more than my school studies ever could, when entering uni I feel like I had a good head start which helped me get the most out of my course.”
Sarah Adetutu (Fashion Futures 2015)
Graduating from University of Huddersfield: BA (Hons) Textiles Practice – Surface Design
“My inspiration for design stems from nature and the botanical world, specifically the shapes, tones and textures found within our surrounding natural environments, which we often overlook in our day to day lives. My final major project ‘Neo Victorian Paradise’ featured here, presents two immersive and versatile mini interior collections comprising wallpaper prints and some soft textiles pieces. The designs for these collections have been established through hand painting and digital refinement, inspired by tropical plants with a reflection on design artistry from the Victorian era through accessible contemporary translation.
I am a proud finalist of FAD’s Fashion Futures; in which I designed and made my own garment catwalked in London Fashion Week. The whole experience FAD offered me was once in a lifetime, and a brilliant opportunity to meet other young aspiring designers. The experience gave me my first insight into the world of fashion design and many of the skills I learnt came in useful during my 1-year industry placement as an assistant for designers within the business of ladies high street fashion manufacturing.”
Ravina Kazim (Fashion Futures 2015)
Graduating from BA (Hons) Fashion, UCA Epsom
“My final collection is a visual representation “of the power and beauty of an Afghan woman”. I show this by using a juxtaposition of hard materials such as metal against soft delicate materials like lace, to show this in its beauty. I began the journey by looking into her mother’s past, her youth and how life was for Afghan women pre-Taliban. Then used this research as well as my love of sculpture, to create 3D shapes and silhouettes encompassing her idea of the essence of an Afghan woman. These then flowed into the process, whereby taking flat shapes from the research and converting them into 3D structures and shapes. This took a lot of on-stand mannequin work and manifested on the form itself.
I took part in FAD during 6th form at school. FAD made me realise the importance of research to be done when designing. Focusing on little details within the research to create something amazing. Most importantly to trust yourself and your creativity.”
Beau Scarlett Pitt. (Fashion Futures 2013)
Graduating from BA (Hons) Fashion, Kingston School of Art
“My collection ‘she’s so heavy’ follows the narrative of a man who so badly desires ‘her’. However, due to her unmatched sensual power, he cannot be with her; this infatuation leads him to explore and attempt to grasp the execution of her sexual demeanour. Thus, in order to be with the beast, he must become the beast. Following the framework women have used since the beginning of time, she dresses him by embodying feminine sensual behaviours within menswear design codes.
Taking part in FAD’s Fashion Futures helped me realise my potential. I had no idea how to start my career in fashion and FAD provided that initial direction and encouragement.”
