Graduate Fashion Foundation are delighted to announce that the Class of 2020 from UK and International Universities will be showcased throughout a series of exciting activities at Coal Drops Yard, London this September.
For 29 years the Graduate Fashion Foundation has been there to support the next generation of creative talent as they conclude their degrees and begin their careers. Graduate Fashion Foundation have been determined that this year should be no different. GFF is key to supporting talented graduates, enabling future success in the UK’s fashion industry as well as globally. The charity aims to continue promoting graduate’s work and increase employment opportunities in the UK and abroad.
Setting up home for six days in Coal Drops Yard during London Fashion Week, GFF is delivering four unique innovative activities, central to which will be a spectacular exhibition at Samsung KX, London’s hub of Innovation.
Samsung KX at Coal Drops Yard
The exhibition at Samsung KX will run throughout LFW from 17th - 21st Sept, showcasing the best work from each of the Foundation’s Member Universities. The experience space celebrates culture, community and ground-breaking thinking that both the UK and Samsung are renowned for, proving to be a destination that could not be better suited to showcase and celebrate the talent of tomorrow. Following a four-day public view of the exhibition, an Industry Private View will be held on the final day, Monday 21st September giving the new graduates the valuable visibility they need to begin conversations and establish connections with potential recruiters, buyers, stylists and media. The exclusive industry event will showcase the brightest graduate fashion talent across 26 fashion specialisms from the Class of 2020. On the evening of each public viewing, there will also be a workshop which guests can sign up to. The events range from fashion, art to business, and are soon to be bookable only on the Samsung KXwebsite.
Samsung KX
Industry will also have the opportunity to scout talent and find the next big thing at the GFF Showroom within Coal Drops Yard, where they will be able to attend via appointment to view more graduate work. The GFF Showroom offers a unique opportunity to view the Class of 2020’s collections. Following an unprecedented end to the academic year, see how the Class of 2020 have adapted and overcome adversity to complete their degrees and deliver creative physical design solutions. On show will be 300 diverse looks from over 150 of the brightest design graduates, alongside their design portfolios.
The activity will culminate in a live-streamed Catwalk Show from Samsung KX on Tuesday 22nd September for a curated group of the very best graduates.
Winners of the 22 awards that were judged by leading industry figures will be present to collect their trophies.
Other activities will include a Digital Fashion Presentation that will be part of the official Digital London Fashion Week with the BFC. The film presentation will feature the work of over 60 UK Fashion graduates and has been filmed at Coal Drops Yard.
Hilary Alexander, President of the Graduate Fashion Foundation said ‘Despite the premature end to their degrees, the cancellation of their degree shows and Graduate Fashion Week, the Class of 2020 have shown immense resilience and creativity and have created inspiring work across multiple disciplines that deserves to be seen and celebrated. I am delighted that Samsung KX have given us this wonderful opportunity to showcase them in such a spectacular style and it’s a pleasure to set up home in Coal Drop’s Yard this London Fashion Week.”
Tanya Weller, Director of Samsung Showcase, KX said: ‘‘We’re thrilled to be partnering with Graduate Fashion Foundation at Samsung KX for its Class of 2020 showcase to celebrate the next generation of talent. As London’s Hub of Innovation, we pride ourselves on enabling people to really ‘do what you can’t’ by providing the physical and digital resources to help guests perfect their passions and immerse themselves in London’s incredible culture, powered by Samsung innovation.”
These showcases are important for Graduate Fashion Foundation to continue their longstanding relationships with the global fashion industry as the go to event for scouting and recruiting the best emerging talent. Graduate Fashion Week is the largest showcase of BA fashion talent in the world and provides one of the biggest pools of fashion talent so it is of great importance to continue this bridge to industry. Attendees will enjoy the day with GFF and Course Leaders searching for fresh talent and reviewing portfolios for potential future roles. GFF strives to bridge the gap between education and industry by helping to begin conversations and establish connections.
All activity is being strictly run to adhere to the Government’s current Covid-19 regulations and social distancing restrictions.
