We are so pleased to announce that iconic fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, and Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, Nadja Swarovski will be joining the charity this April 2018 as International Lifetime Patrons!
As the first international patrons in the charity’s 27-year history, this news confirms our growing international reach and the crucial role that the annual event plays in launching graduates’ careers; offering a global stage for students to receive exposure to job opportunities within the world's most admired fashion houses and retail brands. Nadja Swarovski and Diane Von Furstenberg join as a Lifetime Patrons, alongside Christopher Bailey MBE, Victoria Beckham OBE, Vivienne Westwood DBE RDI and Nick Knight OBE, appointed in 2016 on the charity's 25th anniversary.
As Chairperson of the Swarovski Foundation and a Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, Nadja Swarovski is passionate about innovation and committed to nurturing talent and supporting fashion education. Since joining the company in 1995, Nadja Swarovski has reconnected the brand with its fashion heritage while remaining true to her great-great-grandfather’s vision of doing business in a responsible way by leading and expanding the company's sustainability initiatives.
“It is a great honour to join Graduate Fashion Week as a Lifetime Patron. Swarovski has a long history of support for fashion education, and we are looking forward to expanding our partnership with Graduate Fashion Week in 2018 with a renewed focus on the power of emerging talent. We are also delighted to further champion conscious design by introducing the new Swarovski sustainable accessories COMPETITION.”
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board
“We are delighted that Swarovski is returning as a sponsor OF GRADUATE FASHION WEEK and extremely privileged to have Nadja join the Charity as a new Lifetime Patron. Swarovski is renowned around the world for its support of graduates and emerging talent, and it is fantastic to be working together on what will be the largest ever International show featuring 48 of the best institutes from across the globe,”
Martyn Roberts, Managing & Creative Director at Graduate Fashion Week
As part of her role, Diane Von Furstenberg will join the event on Wednesday 6th June to head up the judging panel on the events most prestigious award with a prize fund of £10,000; The Christopher Bailey Gold Award, named as such due to Christopher being the very first winner of the award in 1991.
“I am thrilled to join Graduate Fashion Week as a Lifetime Patron and hope to continue to expand the reach of this important event and the tremendous talent it represents. The Gold Award has always been so highly regarded in the industry. It is a true beacon of talent, so I am excited to attend the event and to play a part in who will carry the torch this year"
Diane Von Furstenberg
Since launching her brand in 1972, Diane Von Furstenberg has become one of the industry’s most celebrated designers. Becoming an overnight sensation following the creation of her signature wrap dress in 1974, Diane Von Furstenberg is now the head of a global luxury fashion brand celebrated for its commitment to empowering women and its bold approach to print and colour.
“It is a true privilege to have Diane join the charity as a Lifetime Patron. She brings with her years of talent and experience, and is one of the most inspiring individuals in the international fashion scene. She proves that with hard work, vision and dedication, anyone can get to where they want to within the industry. A true inspiration to the charities graduates, her presence on the Gold Award will be greatly beneficial to all,”
Martyn Roberts, Managing Director of Graduate Fashion Week
Thousands of the most gifted students from around the world take part in Graduate Fashion Week each year. It has become an unmissable industry event attended by 30,000 guests including many of the most powerful figures in the industry, all wanting to see the emerging new design talent and fashion of the future.
We look forward to welcoming our new international Lifetime Patrons to Graduate Fashion Week 2018, from 3rd- 6th June at Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London.