Students lead the way in Fashion

By Ryan Duggins

By its very nature, the fashion world is always looking for fresh ideas and designs, and British fashion offers a vast amount of opportunities for students to showcase their talents.

The amount of effort and trust that is gifted from various fashion labels to current students is a testament to the student’s talent, with many companies offering fantastic opportunities for the up-and-coming.

As many graduates from other industries struggle for a platform, the fashion world’s mindset is that to you should be nurturing your future fruits, and not waiting until they fall off the tree.

Earlier this year it was Speedo who turned to students for creative spark, following the news that one of their performance ranges was deemed unfit for competitive sport. This decision lumped Speedo with a whole heap of material that they struggled to find a use for, so as they struggled for ideas, they turned to students.

Young designers studying at the University of Huddersfield, University College Falmouth and London College of Fashion combined in a three-pronged attack to create a new line from the wasted material. Their collection ‘From Somewhere’ was showcased at this years London Fashion Week to rave reviews, as those students propelled themselves into the limelight. The full line will launch in early 2011.

Speedo's new collection, designed by students

This was followed by car manufacturer Alfa Romeo, who decided to commemorate their centenary year with some limited-edition designs. MA students at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design we asked to design two luggage bags, taking inspiration from Alfa Romeo’s heritage in style. Fifteen students submitted their designs, with Tamara Elliot and William Hendry winning the chance to see their designs come to life, as they will be manufactured for limited release next year. It goes without saying that an opportunity of such calibre is indispensable.

Alfa Romeo's student-created luggage bags

Not only are students being commended for their talents with special requests and opportunities from multi-national companies, but their products are beginning to expand to the high street. New concept stores, such as British Designers @ Fashion Capital, are actually presenting new talent with showcasing space next to fashion’s well-known names such as Emma Cook, Felder Felder and Jean-Pierre Bragaza.

British Designers @ Fashion Store is a great showcase

The store at Seymour Place will be their second. The original in Milson Place, Bath, has seen countless designers showcase work in the store, proving a great career launch pad.