Fashion students' catwalk showcase in stunning new university building

With an audience of friends, family and industry experts, graduating students from University of Brighton's Fashion Design with Business Studies BA(Hons) marked a triumphant return to in-person exhibitions for the first time since 2019.

The fashion graduate showcase kicked off the annual series of Brighton Summer Shows featuring the creative work of students from 20 diverse degrees. Constituting the south-east’s largest exhibition of fine art, design, fashion, film and architecture, University of Brighton's summer degree shows regularly attracted over 10,000 visitors before the pandemic.

Menswear design Lily Jane Wood expressed the thrill of displaying her work to a live audience: “It’s a dream to be able to show my final collection in person, after not having been at a fashion show in so long.”

Lily’s work takes inspiration from clothing worn by artists like Jackson Pollock, with the idea of breaking down the traditional concept of work wear but instead wearing everyday garments repeatedly, that are working and changing over time.

“My experience at University of Brighton helped me get a 10-month tailoring placement at Savile Row," Lily said. "This gave me an incredible understanding of making and detail, which helped me greatly in getting to this point in creating my final collection.”

Clothes by Lottie Allen

Serena Copping showed an elegant womenswear collection inspired by vintage garments, with silk fabrics, continuous hem lines and delicate button detailing throughout.

Serena said: “Thanks to my Brighton training, I landed a placement at Victoria Beckham, where I was doing a lot of cutting and patterns. I learnt a lot about the technical side, which really inspired my collection. I also did a placement at ROKSANDA, who kindly gave me some of the fabric to make my collection.

“The staff and technicians at Brighton have been so helpful in getting me to this point, in exhibiting my work. I came in as someone who had no experience in making, and their support and knowledge has got me to this point.”

Womenswear designer Lottie Allen takes inspiration for her work from how children dress themselves and the fun ways they play with styling and clothing.

Lottie said: “I did a placement at Molly Goddard, I loved being helped to get the experience of working in industry and I took great inspiration for my final collection from the bright colours and the fun fabrics they use.

“I have loved living and studying in Brighton, it is such a creative and inspiring place to be. I am so looking forward to staying here after graduation, working as a freelancer and content creator based in this beautiful city.”

Check out the Summer Shows where works from the fashion show will be on display 2-12 June at our City campus.

Clothes by Serena Copping