Alexandra Dickson Winning Design
This week sees the launch of the two winning t-shirt designs instore nationwide and online with Fatface.
GFW 19 Graduates Alexandra and Roxanne won the FatFace Graphic T-Shirt Competition 2019, with their winning designs being selected by industry experts and designers Christopher Raeburn and Rob Jones.
Fatface said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support Graduate Fashion Week for the second time, returning with our successful Graphic T-Shirt Competition. Graduate Fashion Week provides a unique platform for the finest graduates to showcase their work at the start of their exciting careers, and we welcome the chance to support and recognise the emerging talent of our British and International design institutions.”
The Whale graphic winning design has been created by Alexandra Dickson, who studied at Manchester Metropolitan University and was chosen by GFF Global Ambassador and designer Christopher Raeburn.
This is why Alexandra was his winner: “In a world in desperate need for positive change, Alexandra’s design perfectly captured the severity of our ecological crises and brought together a stunning aesthetic with though-provoking activism.”
When designing the t-shirt, Alexandra was inspired by our impact on the oceans, which led her to consider endangered and extinct sea mammals like whales. It’s supersoft, comfortable and ready to wear with pride.
GFF spoke to Alexandra about her winning design:
Describe the inspiration and concept behind your work and why you choose to work with this topic?
I started by researching Fatface’s history with surfing culture. This led me to think about the world’s oceans, and the ecological impact that the fashion industry has on marine life as a whole. There are lots of vulnerable and endangered species of whales, some due to the actions of humans. I love animals so this is a subject close to my heart.
Why did you choose to enter the competition?
I had the opportunity to design graphics at both of my industry placements (Old Navy, San Francisco and N Brown, Manchester) and I loved them, so I knew I had to have a go at the competition. I also love Fatface’s aesthetic and their attitude towards sustainability.
How did it feel when you won?
Really surprised! I was so busy with final year that I had almost forgotten about it, but when I found out it was such an amazing, proud moment. The fact that Christopher Raeburn had picked mine really made it for me because he’s definitely a designer I look up to. His commitment to sustainability is a real inspiration.
Which university did you attend and what course did you study?
I studied Fashion Design and Technology: Womenswear at Manchester Metropolitan University. I graduated in July.
Many say that the industry is undergoing a huge change, with sustainability, diversity and responsibility becoming huge themes. Do you have any opinions on these movements?
I think the industry has to change. It’s become so vast and so damaging to the environment that it has no choice other than to finally address consumer demands to take responsibility and diversify—which is great, of course. As a designer and in my personal life, sustainability is really important to me. My final collection was made entirely from sustainable fabrics to minimise my footprint and ensure it reflected my values.
Do you have any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
I recently got a job as a fashion graphic designer, but I regularly update my Instagram (_alexandradickson_) and website (alexdickson.co) with anything new that I’ve been working on.
Roxanne’s winning design
The Landscape winning design has been created by Roxanne Beth Hoare, who graduated from University of Central Lancashire at GFW19, and was chosen by designer Rob Jones from Teatum Jones.
This is why Roxanne was his winner: “Roxanne took the brief on a personal emotional journey as inspiration and executed the design with a sophisticated use of lush colour and beautiful hand work, whilst staying true to the Fat Face ethos and brand values. It was definitely my favourite and stood out straight away amongst all the very high standard entries.”
The two winning t-shirt designs are available in selected FatFace stores nationwide and online at fatface.com now. They are available in sizes XS-XXXL and are priced at £25.00.
