With over 30 awards at GFW18, from design, stands and marketing, we're focused on recognising those with an outstanding ability from across the different fashion disciplines. The most prestigious of these awards, is the Christopher Bailey Gold Award- won by the designer for the first time in 1991.
This year there are seven industry judges, selecting the winner of this accolade. Together, they will be looking for an exceptional collection, which demonstrates an astounding ability in a multiplicity of factors, including creativity, design, craftsmanship, colour and fabric. The winning student will receive £10,000 prize, and their university will receive £2,000. With judges such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Christopher Raeburn, and representatives of LVMH, we're eager to see who the distinguished panel will select.
Diane Von Furstenberg, Founder / Designer , Diane Von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg, a recently appointed Lifetime Patron of GFW, founded her eponymous line in 1972. It has since become a global luxury fashion brand celebrated for its bold and creative approach to color and print, and admired for its sensual femininity. Diane’s commitment to empowering women is expressed not only through fashion but also philanthropy and mentorship.
Christopher Raeburn, Creative Director, Christopher RÆBURN
Christopher Raeburn, recently appointed GFW Global Ambassador, established his eponymous brand focusing on sustainable and intelligent fashion design for a global audience. The REMADE ethos in particular has pioneered the reworking of surplus fabrics and garments to create distinctive and functional pieces. Christopher's commitment toward sustainability as an original pioneer makes his perspective unique.
Fabio Piras, MA Fashion Course Director, Central Saint Martins
Fabio Piras is the course director of Central St Martin's MA Fashion Course. Piras stepped into the position in 2014. Italian-born Piras, completed the MA course he now runs, before founding his own eponymous label that showed during London Fashion Week from 1994 until 2000. His educational expertise means that Fabio is acutely aware of the methodology of fashion education.
Kevin Carrigan, Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Ralph Lauren
Kevin Carrigan, is the Creative Director at Ralph Lauren, having previously held the position of Creative Director at Calvin Klein. His creative experience at the most prestigious global brands make his opinion one of the most respected amongst industry members.
Gillian Wilkins, Fashion Director, Elle
Gillian Wilkins , Fashion Director at ELLE UK, is an experienced fashion editor, stylist and brand consultant, having previously held roles including contributing fashion editor at British Vogue and fashion director of Russh magazine. Her editorial perspective will encourage the panel to consider the shortlisted designs from a whole.
Gena Smith, SVP, Head of Global Creative Recruitment, LVMH
As the Head of Global Creative Recruitment, Gena Smith sources the most exciting and fresh new talent for LVMH. Working across the international market, Gena's impressive career makes her a fantastic panel judge to choose the most pioneering new collection.
Mandi Lennard, Fashion PR and Founder, Mandi's Basement
Mandi Lennard is a fashion PR and the founder of fashion consultancy Mandi's Basement. Lennard moved to Paris at 18 to seek work as an interpreter, but instead began working for Benetton and soon moved to London to become a buyer for the company. This led to a buying position at Browns, where she remained for 6 years before settling on a career in PR.