Stars shine for MA fashion show

by Akilah Russell

The 2010 MA fashion showcase was a star-studded event, with celebrities and the fashion industry elite turning up in force to support this year’s MA Fashion Design and Technology graduates who showcased their collections in the Raphael Gallery at the V&A.

Work by some the industry’s newest emerging talent was seen by more than 500 guests including: Paloma Faith, Mika, Jo Wood, Keisha Buchanan, Gabriella Cilmi, Marina from Marina and the Diamonds, Jodie Harsh, Grayson Perry, Boudicca, Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman, Jane Shepherdson amongst others.

The winner of Collection of the Year was German-born designer Sven Hoppe whose menswear collection was described by the judging panel as ‘outstanding’, both in design and technical ability.

The judges also awarded young designer Youngli Lee from South Korea a Highly Commended for their womenswear collection.

The design team of online retail giants ASOS.com, who were also in attendance, were so impressed with what they saw they have arranged private visits with selected graduates.

"Spectacular"

Harold Tillman who is also an LCF alumnus said that the show was "spectacular" and added: "I’m particularly proud of the students that I support through my scholarship fund such as Nicole Murray and Domingo Rodriguez.

Each year the quality of the students’ work gets better and better and I’m delighted to hear that ASOS.com

have, on the back of the show, decided to collaborate with some of this year’s MA graduates; it is absolutely essential that big fashion brands support and nurture emerging talent for they are the future of our industry.”

Speaking exclusively to Arts London News, MA design and Technology graduate Domingo Rodriguez, whose collection was shown at the show said: ‘‘The showcase is an amazing platform for all the graduates. It really is a big deal to be a part of it all, and I am happy I was chosen to debut my collection there.’’

 

Interview with "Collection of the Year" winner, Sven Hoppe.

Video realised by: Liam Oliver-Christie, Lena Lindsay and Dean Andrews