The next Graduate Fashion Week masterclass is held by GFW managing and creative director Martyn Roberts and renowned British fashion journalist Hilary Alexander OBE the 10th of November at Edinburgh University.
The GFW masterclasses are designed to give current fashion students an insight into Graduate Fashion Week, information about the prestigious event and how it can benefit their future careers in the industry. Martyn and Hilary are visiting universities across the country to educate students in how to present a coherent and successful collection and portfolio, to make the most out of participating in the largest showcase of BA graduate talent in the world.
Both Hilary Alexander OBE and Martyn Roberts have many years of experience in the industry, and they are both keen to help students and lead them on the right way to pursue a career in fashion. By giving the graduates their best tips and tricks on how to be successful in the ever changing, growing and demanding fashion industry they give the graduates a better chance to reach a profitable career in fashion, the industry many people dream to pursues the career of their dreams in.
Edinburgh University is one of the top institutions in the UK for the study of fashion, and the graduates are highly regarded by the industry: alumni destinations include Gucci, Balenciaga, H&M, Burberry, Cerruti, Alexander McQueen, Nicole Fahri, Stella McCartney and Joseph to name but a few. A part from the wide range of fashion courses they offer, the university also gives the student an opportunity to be a part of a multicultural community and live in one of the liveliest cities in the world, experience lots of art festivals, a rich history and seasonal celebrations.
Graduate Fashion Week is a charity that helps talented graduates to host their first fashion show and gives them the opportunity to connect with key industry professionals. GFW has provided the initial platform for internationally renowned designers such as Julien MacDonald OBE, Stella McCartney OBE and Giles Deacon to name a few. Some of these incredible alumni have gone on to develop some of the worlds most influential brands, and with the industry being boundless, there are always opportunities for any graduate to do the same and concur their dreams.
“I OWE EVERYTHING TO GRADUATE FASHION WEEK. I WAS EXTREMELY FORTUNATE TO HAVE WON THE GFW AWARD OVER 20 YEARS AGO. IT BECAME A FUNDAMENTAL STEPPING-STONE IN MY CAREER, GIVING ME A PLATFORM TO PURSUE THE INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED SINCE.”
Christopher Bailey MBE, Formerly Chief Creative Officer, Burberry (First Winner of GFW Gold Award in 1991)
We look forward to holding several more masterclasses, across the country! The enxt stop is Nottingham Trent. Make sure to check our social media to see if we're coming to a city near you.
Words by Madeline Andersson