With only a few days left until Graduate Fashion Week 2018 begins, I’m here to give you the essential details on all you need to know about it! On its 27th year, GFW is returning to its home at The Old Truman Brewery in London for 4 days. The annual event, is one of the most prestigious and important calendar dates, particularly for Fashion students hoping to stand out to the audiences and creatives searching for fresh new talent. Although, this year it’s bigger and better than ever; a whole new floor is being taken over during this June 18 event, meaning there’s even more for you to delve into. GFW is exciting to say the least, it brings out the most innovative, emerging talent to the centre stage, and showcases the fashion innovators of the future. With it beginning on Sunday the 3rd of June, there’s just enough time left to get ready with everything you need to know and what to expect.
One key thing to know, at GFW, nothing is out of bounds. The event highlights pretty much every aspect of the industry: design, creative direction, marketing, communication, photography, illustration and different directions of modern business of fashion. The environment is extremely diverse and useful for everyone; it’s ideal to help you transition from education to employment, to network, to build a platform and to better your creativity for your future. Whether your heart lies with design, print, photography, journalism, graphics or weaving, GFW is ready for you.
During the 4 day event, it’s recommended you buy a ticket or a few to watch some of the incredible graduate catwalks, and the choice isn’t limited, 36 UK universities feature at GFW! Here’s a breakdown of all the Uni catwalks that feature this year:
Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, Falmouth University, Leeds Arts University, Plymouth College of Art, Glasgow School of Art, University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Salford, Northumbria University, University of East London, Sheffield Hallam University, Northampton University, Bath Spa University , Birmingham City University, Nottingham Trent University, Manchester School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, Ravensbourne, Norwich University, Arts University Bournemouth, De Montfort University, University of Brighton, UCA Epsom, UCA Rochester and Kingston University.
Throughout the duration of the event, special recognition awards are presented to students who have surpassed expectations and delivered outstanding creativity. The students to receive these awards are undoubtedly future talent to watch out for. Some of the awards are in collaboration with some big industry names, such as ASOS, M&S, Boohoo, Levi’s, and Debenhams to name a few. One award in particular, the ‘Swarovski Intervational Fashion Award’ features over 50 universities from around the globe, including New York, Sri Lanka and China. This award is guaranteed to be exciting and showcase a whole new world of creativity. If you want to really get involved and watch the announcements of these individuals, you can attend the ‘Best of GFW18 Show’ and ‘Gala Awards Show’. Judges for these awards include: Diane Von Furstenberg, Christopher Raeburn and Brigitte Stepputtis. Shortlists have been announced for a few of the awards, so feel free to head over to the GFW‘s website to check out the lucky individuals.
Now of course, it’s not all upcoming names and fresh-faced talent at GFW, there are some of the biggest brands within fashion exhibiting there too. I’m talking Ralph Lauren, John Lewis, Tessuti and Size? being the latest to get involved at GFW, joining some of the existing brands including George, L’Oréal Professionnel, Gap Inc., YKK and Boux Avenue.
It’s interesting in particular to note that the team at L’Oréal Professionnel are returning to GFW to create the iconic catwalk hair for all 25 shows taking place over the event. Whilst, London Beauty Artists will provide the MUAs for all the make-up looks across the shows, solely using products by renowned beauty brand Max Factor. So if you’re mesmerised by the beauty side incorporated in fashion, checking out their exhibition is a MUST.
With all that said, you’re definitely ready to take on GFW and get the most out of it. Just don’t forget your business cards, camera, and don’t be afraid to talk to all the industry professionals and graduates!
Graduate Fashion Week begins on Sunday 3rd of June and finishes on Wednesday 6th June. There’s heaps available for you to get inspired by, from catwalks to industry talks, incredible exhibitions and a browse through graduate portfolios for your own creative inspo! This 4 day event isn’t one to be missed so check out all the links below on how to get involved and experience GFW 2018.
http://www.graduatefashionweek.com
https://twitter.com/OfficialGFW
https://www.facebook.com/GraduateFashionWeek
https://www.instagram.com/officialgfw/
For your last minute tickets, get them here, fast: http://www.graduatefashionweek.com/tickets/
Words by Sophie Butler- Fashion Features Writer
