International commentator to judge university’s fashion awards

Published: 19.05.08 

Leading figure in fashion, Colin McDowell, will be chairing the judging panel at this summer’s University of Brighton graduate fashion awards, in London.

Senior fashion writer for the Sunday Times and internationally renowned fashion commentator, McDowell, will also be judging the Best Business Plan Award which is sponsored by London based law firm Shadbolt & Co. 

This category highlights the importance of business studies in the university’s fashion and textile courses. Students not only gain creative skills for a career in fashion but also business acumen to start up their own businesses, as has been the case for a number of Brighton’s graduates.

Recent graduate Nin Castle set up sustainable fashion label Goodone Clothing, and our alumni include Julien Macdonald and Keren Craig, one half of fashion duo Marchesa.

Students also boast an impressive record of work placements including stints with major designers such as Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders, Eley Kishimoto and John Rocha. Last year’s award winners, Tamara Elliot and Stephanie Le Cocq, both secured jobs for New York-based American Eagle, following successful work placements.

This summer’s emerging talents include Amy Graham who following placements at See By Chloe, has been offered a junior design position with Abercrombie & Fitch. Helena Dunn has also accepted a post at American Eagle in New York. Bradford Textiles Society design competition recently awarded Haidee Foy a woven fabric award.

The show takes place at Old Billingsgate in London with its stunning views over the Thames, and the event will showcase students’ work to the fashion industry. 

Colin McDowell said: “I am very pleased to be attending Brighton's fashion show because it seems so appropriate that fashion is being studied in the town which in Regency times was the out-of-London epicentre of the fashionable life - a position it has retained for over two hundred years. And, I am sure, will continue to hold for quite as long again. The designs which will be showcased by the university’s students will undoubtedly add to this.”

Picture: Hannah Jenkinson's knitware.