News

Passion for fashion

Published 7 June 2011

University of Brighton fashion students are full of "passion, integrity and authenticity", according to TV presenter and fashion expert Caryn Franklin.

The presenter of BBC One's The Clothes Show mingled with models and graduates at the Faculty of Arts' annual fashion and textiles showcase at the Grand Parade campus in Brighton.

Caryn said: "This was a great opportunity to see what students at the university are doing. It is quite important for me to link with the educationalists here and I enjoyed hearing about how the university works in this area and how the students are encouraged to practise.

"I see this as a very fertile space for creating collaborations - my most favourite thing of all - and sharing some of the information and experience I've developed during my two years' involvement with the award-winning 'All walks beyond the catwalk' initiative."

She said of the show: "This is a fantastic example of the fact that British talent truly has a global reach.....graduates today are entering what remains an exciting industry, one full of innovation and inspiration, but also challenges.

"The industry has to face up to an increasing numbers of issues - new media, social responsibility and indeed the competition of the corporate world. It is clear to me that the graduates leaving the University of Brighton receive amazing training here and are confident, both in terms of their own vision and their technical ability.

"What I also saw in the show was passion, integrity and above all, authenticity. Being able to maintain such integrity and one's own creativity in the corporate world is a tough call, but one these graduates will no doubt achieve."

Design by Elena Crehan, Fashion Design with Business Studies BA(Hons)

The fashion show, part of Burt Brill and Cardens' Graduate Show, was presented by Dr Catherine Harper, head of the School of Architect and Design and guests were welcomed by Malcolm Mcinnes, the school's academic programme leader.

Design by Joss Burnell, Fashion with Business Studies MDes

Carly Read, managing director of Burgess Hill-based Icon Live, presented the Best Business Plan Award to Harriet Toogood, MDes Textiles with Business graduate, who organised "weaving and walking weekends" to complement and support the Harris Tweed industry and to teach weaving.

Some of the fashion students presenting their work at the show