ANNOUNCEMENT
DATE: FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2020
In these challenging times it is with a sad and heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of Graduate Fashion Week 2020.
After careful consideration, following a trustee meeting today, where the options of postponement, curtailment, event redesign and a combination of all of the above were discussed and based on the evolving guidance from the World Health Organisation, national government and health agencies, we have decided that the GFW event could not possibly go ahead in the past format. The safety of you, the students and attendees, as well as volunteers and event team come first, and the potential risk is too high for the event to go ahead at this time.
The cancellation of this year’s event will no doubt come as a terrible blow to our incredibly talented final year students, our global member universities and our supportive sponsors and partners, who have been working so hard to make this event happen.
Graduate Fashion Week is inextricably linked to the academic year. This, plus the closing of academic buildings and facilities and dramatic changes to students in their final year of studies, meant postponing was not a viable option.
So, while we are not taking over the Old Truman Brewery this summer, we are determined that all of the magic of GFW is not lost for the class of 2020. We will be launching a series of activities that will allow GFF to showcase students’ work, with more information on this to follow.
Graduate Fashion Week has always been more than just an exhibition. It is a place where talent, hope and hard work are showcased and given the platform it deserves. It is a place where the fashion industry and media come to immerse themselves in the work of future fashion-leaders. It is a place where the next generation of students can be inspired and find out what is possible.
We continue to communicate with our ticket holders and business partners, including our suppliers and sponsors directly. Anyone who purchased tickets via Eventbrite will be offered the option of either a refund of the full face-value of their ticket or to donate the money to Graduate Fashion Foundation in support of the future of the charity.
A lot of incredible people put their heart and soul into Graduate Fashion Week 2020, to our Graduate Fashion Foundation family, thank you. We are deeply disappointed to have to cancel, but look forward to seeing you again soon and welcoming you back for our 30th Anniversary celebrations in 2021 and to showcase the largest exhibition of BA fashion talent in the world.
Here's to the future, and to brighter times ahead.
The Graduate Fashion Foundation
DATE PUBLISHED: 17th March 2020
In light of the Government’s decision on Monday to not cancel all events, but advise against going to them, the GFW Team is currently evaluating its options. Both in terms of what we can do for the students, what we should do as responsible event organisers and how this will impact the long-term future of the Graduate Fashion Foundation. We will provide an update on GFW 2020 on Friday 20th March. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
DATE PUBLISHED: 16th March 2020
We are closely monitoring the developments around Covid-19 and we are aware that everyone is seeking certainty around the status of Graduate Fashion Week 2020. We are evaluating our options over the coming week and await the Government announcement on mass gatherings. We hope to be able to provide more clarity on Friday 20th March.
Thank you for your patience, support and understanding during this extraordinary and challenging situation
DATE PUBLISHED: 10th March 2020
With major events canceling across Europe over the past few days, we know that many in our community are asking questions about this year’s Graduate Fashion Week in London.
With GFW due to take place at the end of May (still 11 weeks away), the GFW team continues to plan confidently for the show. We currently have NO plans to postpone or cancel.
We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of the Universities, sponsors, students, and attendees who continue to register and plan for the show.
The GFW team remains in close contact with the venue, as well as the relevant health authorities. As this unprecedented situation is changing every day, we remain watchful but also focused on delivering what is an extremely important event for the final year fashion students who are currently working hard on their final year projects.
Mindful of our duty of care, we’re also carefully considering and consulting with experts on what the appropriate sanitary, health and other measures should be. We assure you that all appropriate measures will be in place at GFW 2020.
Please keep checking this webpage, which we’ll be updating it regularly as the situation evolves. The next update will be Monday 16th March 2020, when we will release our Covid-19 risk assessment.
We look forward to welcoming you to GFW at the Old Truman Brewery this summer.