Meet The 2026 Award Shortlists

Written By Lucie Luke

As a cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission, the Graduate Fashion Foundation Awards play a crucial role in spotlighting the very best in graduating talent whilst ensuring that industry professionals can easily identify innovative designers and exceptional work. The awards are poised to draw in high-level industry representatives who will provide expert insights and constructive feedback to finalists, fostering invaluable connections.

“Graduate Fashion Foundation believe that our students are the industry’s future. Those with a personal vision who strongly support and focus on the re-enforcement of a sustainable fashion industry, employ responsible garment production methods, fair trade and encourage gender & race equality, are deserving of our support and this has been Douglas MacLennan, reflected in our 2026 award criteria.”
— Douglas MacLennan, Chairman of Graduate Fashion Foundation

This year, the structure allows for a shortlist of 12 competitors per award, leading to more than 324 upcoming graduates having the chance to showcase their creativity and skills in the portfolio awards alone. Finalists will participate in live judging sessions held on-site during Graduate Fashion Week in private interview booths, where they can present not only physical work (garments and samples) but also digital projects through screens available.

Additionally, all shortlisted students will be invited to a full day of networking events, industry talks, CV and portfolio reviews with top recruitment agencies, and direct interactions with the judges, enhancing their exposure to potential career opportunities.

The awards culminate in a celebratory early evening drinks event and award show where daily winners will be announced and presented with their trophies, showcasing the outstanding accomplishments of these emerging talents. As winners are revealed daily across GFW’s social channels, website, and newsletters, media coverage will further amplify visibility for member universities, ensuring that their graduates receive the recognition they deserve.

GFW26 Award Shortlists


Awards taking place on Monday 15th June 2026:


Fashion Illustration Award

  1. Sumi Kang - Nottingham Trent University

  2. Aaliyah Allan-Long - Leeds Arts University

  3. Estella Jenkins - University of Leeds

  4. Eva Thomson - Heriot-Watt University

  5. Xiaoya Wang - Winchester School of Art

  6. Pex Tan - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  7. Grace Blake - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  8. Freya Gaskell - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  9. Ellie Briggs - Arts University Bournemouth

  10. Amber Lita - Northumbria University

  11. Amelia Pickance - Bath Spa University

  12. Maria Pileggi - De Montfort University


FACE Prize

  1. Donald Yerima - University of Derby

  2. Chizitelu Grace Onubogu - University of Staffordshire

  3. Aliyah Dankwah - University of Westminster

  4. Emmanuella Mensah - Manchester Metropolitan University

  5. Amina Jeng - Manchester Metropolitan University

  6. Christine Au-Yeung - University of the West of England

  7. Rachael Adegoke - University of Westminster

  8. Sophie Choudhury - Kingston University

  9. Faria Xu - University of Edinburgh

  10. Khoo En Zhi - University of Westminster

  11. Wiaam Shabi - Savannah College of Art and Design

  12. Hanan Ali Hashi - The University of Bolton


Culture & Heritage Award — Design

  1. Yanrui Guo - University for the Creative Arts

  2. Cami Agopipan - Leeds Arts University

  3. Libby Mills - Heriot-Watt University

  4. Safiya Shakirova - Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts

  5. Sami Arslan - Bath Spa University

  6. Nawal Ali - De Montfort University

  7. Midori Palewetta - Kingston University

  8. Rebecca Antram - Cardiff Metropolitan University

  9. Senuji de Silva - Northumbria University

  10. Rebecca Ogunribido - Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts

  11. Hasnel Abakah-Phillips - Bath Spa University

  12. Smrithi Barla - Kingston University


Constructed Textiles Award

  1. Grace Williams - JCA | London Academy

  2. Rachel Adlard - Nottingham Trent University

  3. Emily Peers - Northumbria University

  4. Lola Powell - Norwich University of the Arts

  5. Halley Richardson - Arts University Bournemouth

  6. Gracie Truscott - University for the Creative Arts

  7. Xinyan Lin - Winchester School of Art

  8. Aidan Thompson - De Montfort University

  9. Lyra Cherry - Kingston University

  10. Senuji de Silva - Northumbria University

  11. Violet Edwards - Arts University Bournemouth

  12. Zoë Anastasia - Bath Spa University


Knit Portfolio Award

  1. Gaia Studwell - University of the West of England

  2. Izzy Lambert - University of Leeds

  3. Sinead Burrage - Norwich University of the Arts

  4. Maeve Dean - Arts University Bournemouth

  5. Ameenah Recapinte - Manchester Metropolitan University

  6. Rachel Adlard - Nottingham Trent University

  7. Eva Camper - Kingston University

  8. Tatianna Pereira - Norwich University of the Arts

  9. Holly Roden - Manchester Metropolitan University

  10. Molly Round - Nottingham Trent University

  11. Heidi Moss - De Montfort University

  12. Jo Early - Kingston University


Accessories & Footwear Award

  1. Millie Watkins - Nottingham Trent University

  2. Freya Burt - Manchester Metropolitan University

  3. Verna Lai - Heriot-Watt University

  4. Hannah Maria Ryan - University of Lancashire

  5. Georgia Liptrot - Sheffield Hallam University

  6. Molly Jacob - Arts University Bournemouth

  7. Lewis Harrison - Leeds Arts University

  8. Ellie Shaw - Northumbria University

  9. Emily Holdsworth - Kingston University

  10. Sumi Kang - Nottingham Trent University

  11. Cathia Pinto - De Montfort University

  12. Joe Gurr - Leeds Arts University


Culture & Heritage Award Non-Design

  1. Mehrish Pahilani - University of Staffordshire

  2. Dilara Pennison - Leeds Arts University

  3. Emily Hing - University of the West of England

  4. Maria Pienczewska - Northumbria University

  5. Channia Lewis - Sheffield Hallam University

  6. Leting Chen - Kingston University

  7. Kimi Nimaei - Southampton Solent University

  8. Hearte Ho - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  9. Donald Yerima - University of Derby

  10. Christine Au-Yeung - University of the West of England

  11. Amina Jeng - Manchester Metropolitan University

  12. Reyah Shaikh - De Montfort University


Dame Zandra Rhodes Fashion Printed Textiles Award Supported By F&F

  1. Bobbie Harding - Nottingham Trent University

  2. Chloe Adams - Arts University Bournemouth

  3. Georgia Hogg - Northumbria University

  4. Grace Gillard - University of Lancashire

  5. Jess Parker - Norwich University of the Arts

  6. Nathalie Luff - Nottingham Trent University

  7. Rownok Jahan Tithi - De Montfort University

  8. Sami Arslan - Bath Spa University

  9. Yiet Kuan Lau (Sky) - University for the Creative Arts

  10. Yolanda Cookson-Sanz - University of lancashire

  11. Lucy Dent - University of Derby

  12. Abbie Jarvis - University of Lancashire


Surface Textiles Award

  1. Grace Williams - JCA | London Academy

  2. Joe Garr - Leeds Arts University

  3. Mimi Bendy - Nottingham Trent University

  4. Lauranne Rowe - Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts

  5. Jenisa Lopes - De Montfort University

  6. Qew Shi - Manchester Metropolitan University

  7. Naomi Robinson - University of Lancashire

  8. Patryk Haste - Heriot-Watt University

  9. Sonia Abul - Norwich University of the Arts

  10. Senuji de Silva - Northumbria University

  11. Heidi Moss - De Montfort University

  12. Jason Christoforou - Kingston University


Awards taking place on Tuesday 16th June 2026:



Fashion Communication Portfolio Award

  1. Cat Lee - Manchester Metropolitan University

  2. Annika Ho - University of Leeds

  3. Poppy Whitford - Coventry University

  4. Finley Simpson - Northumbria University

  5. Mia Allonby - University of Lancashire

  6. Rei Funamoto - University for The Creative Arts Epsom

  7. Greg Horn - Southampton Solent University

  8. Sioned Cordiner - Nottingham Trent University

  9. Poppy Fenwick - University of Leeds

  10. Aiden Mould - Northumbria University

  11. Hope Millard - Arts University Bournemouth

  12. Rhianna Langton - De Montfort University


Digital Fashion Award Supported By Clo3D

  1. Lou Miller - Leeds Arts University

  2. Gareth Godfrey-Williams - Manchester Metropolitan University

  3. Ruby Bryant - Cardiff Metropolitan University

  4. Paris Phillips - Northumbria University

  5. Chung Wa Yau - Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts

  6. Baby Hassani Kabotarkhany - Nottingham Trent University

  7. Toby Haywood - De Montfort University

  8. Abbie Whitfield - Kingston University

  9. Noah Healey-Dilkes - Manchester Metropolitan University

  10. Megan Skone - Cardiff Metropolitan University

  11. Aimee Templeman - Northumbria University

  12. James Rapinett - Kingston University


Terry Mansfield Fashion Publication Award

  1. Alice Glaves - University of the West of England

  2. Bethany Hutchison - Norwich University of the Arts

  3. Isabel Lally - Nottingham Trent University

  4. Paloma Agyepong - Kingston University

  5. Evie Colman - Leeds Arts University

  6. Leah Camilleri - Southampton Solent University

  7. Caitlin Bunn - Nottingham Trent University

  8. Ema Bucknam - Norwich University of the Arts

  9. Edie Brown & Tamara Patchett (Collaborative Group Submission) - Nottingham Trent University

  10. Abbie Reardon - Northumbria University

  11. Daisy Hutchins - Leeds Arts University

  12. Reyah Shaikh - De Montfort University


Moving Image Award

  1. Amina Jeng - Manchester Metropolitan University

  2. Anna Wood - Norwich University of the Arts

  3. Ellie Wignall - Leeds Arts University

  4. Lily Herbert - Southampton Solent University

  5. Sian Davies - University of Derby

  6. Ruby Barrass - Manchester Metropolitan University

  7. Lucy Hargraves - University of the West of England

  8. Nia Southworth - Leeds Arts University

  9. Kimi Nimaei - Southampton Solent University

  10. Malin Olsen - Kingston University

  11. Holly Matthews - De Montfort University

  12. Libby Matthews - De Montfort University


New Business Award

  1. Rowena Naylor - JCA | London Academy

  2. Seraphine Noviani - Manchester Metropolitan University

  3. Emily Felicity Giuseppina Sutton - Northumbria University

  4. Ellie Barnes - University of Leeds

  5. Lillie Glenister - University of Lancashire

  6. Georgina White - Coventry University

  7. Valerie Loeblich - University of Derby

  8. Matilda Langley - Nottingham Trent University

  9. Kashvi Soni - University for the Creative Arts

  10. Jonny Langridge - Arts University Bournemouth

  11. Niamh Frith - University of Lancashire

  12. Ariunna Bat-Ulzii - University of Hertfordshire


Fashion Marketing Award

  1. Emily Peers - Northumbria University

  2. Abigail Williams - Norwich University of the Arts

  3. Donald Yerima - University of Derby

  4. Anna Wood - Norwich University of the Arts

  5. Kristine Gailuma - Cambridge School of Visual And Performing Arts

  6. Mehrish Pehilani - University of Staffordshire

  7. Wiktoria Wysocka - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  8. Emilia Spark - Northumbria University

  9. Alice Glaves and Holly Peterson - University of the West of England

  10. Ava Smith - Cambridge School of Visual And Performing Arts

  11. Sophia Frangos - Solent University

  12. Niamh Frith - University of Lancashire


Fashion Photography Award - supported by Free Range

  1. Mia Harvey - Manchester Metropolitan University

  2. Jago Dunning - University of the West of England

  3. Eve Carnell - Norwich University of the Arts

  4. Finley Simpson - Northumbria University

  5. Ellis Carroll - Southampton Solent University

  6. Ruby Morgan - Leeds Arts University

  7. Kristine Gailuma - Cambridge School of Visual And Performing Arts

  8. Ruby Barrass - Manchester Metropolitan University

  9. Julia Rocha Turner - University of the West of England

  10. Orla Srivastava - Leeds Arts University

  11. Serena Lim - Kingston University

  12. Holly Matthews - De Montfort University


Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award

  1. Jago Dunning - University of the West of England

  2. Eve Carnell - Norwich University of the Arts

  3. Finley Simpson - Northumbria University

  4. Amina Jeng - Manchester Metropolitan University

  5. Louie Baker - Kingston University

  6. Milla Jupp - Southampton Solent University

  7. Kristine Gailuma - Cambridge School of Visual And Performing Arts

  8. Olivia Blewitt - University of the West of England

  9. Jennie Grincell - Arts University Bournemouth

  10. Kimi Nimaei - Southampton Solent University

  11. Ashlyn Rowland - University for The Creative Arts Epsom

  12. Soriyah Gregory - De Montfort University


Digital Fashion Media Award

  1. Emily Christie - Northumbria University

  2. Julia Rocha Turner - University of the West of England

  3. Annika Ho - University of Leeds

  4. Ethan Millard Nash - Norwich University of the Arts

  5. Rhianna Major - Arts University Bournemouth

  6. Daniel Todd - Manchester Metropolitan University

  7. Linh Nguyen - Kingston University

  8. Edith Ellis - Solent University

  9. Nora Biro - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  10. Naomi Evans-Armour - Northumbria University

  11. Holly Peterson - University of the West of England

  12. Sinyi Guan - Kingston University


The Zalando x GFF Circularity Masterclass Competition

  1. Nicole Fedrowicz - Amsterdam Fashion Academy

  2. Taelor-Mae McNally - De Montfort University

  3. Naomi Robinson - University of Lancashire

  4. Gustav Wichmann - Thiesgaard Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design

  5. Vega Brooks - Manchester Metropolitan University

  6. Dominikus Ehrenberger - BSP Berlin

  7. Mami Hosaka - Marangoni Milan

  8. Boguslawa Gaworek - Academy of Fine Arts Warsaw

  9. Anni Chen - University of Applied Arts Vienna

  10. Lucas Fisher - Norwich University of the Arts

  11. Katie Rickett - Northumbria University

  12. Samantha Bronock - Leeds Arts University

  13. Nicole Ray Kochergin - IED Barcelona


Awards taking place on Wednesday 17th June 2026:


Sportswear & Leisurewear Award

  1. Daisy Toothill - Nottingham Trent University

  2. Harry Russell - Northumbria University

  3. Amy Beckett - University of Leeds

  4. Alice Costello - Leeds Arts University

  5. Amber Haynes - De Montfort University

  6. Florence Spooner - Kingston University

  7. Gareth Godfrey-Williams - Manchester Metropolitan University

  8. Emily Nevill - Nottingham Trent University

  9. Isadora Holt Walken - University of West England

  10. Poppy Whitford - Coventry University

  11. Hannah Blake Leeds Arts University

  12. Jo Early - Kingston University


Pattern Cutting Award

  1. Joseph Barker - JCA | London Academy

  2. William Yang - Nottingham Trent University

  3. Thomas Esteban Lawrence - Manchester Metropolitan University

  4. Amy Beckett - University of Leeds

  5. James Brook - Northumbria University

  6. Jeffrey Zhao - University for the Creative Arts Epsom

  7. Stella Shykolenko - Norwich University of the Arts

  8. Galya Nedeva - London College of Contemporary Arts

  9. Arthur Hardiman - Kingston University

  10. Liam Smith - Sheffield Hallam University

  11. Chung Wa (Raven) Yau - Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

  12. Yeddie Shin - Kingston University


Childrenswear Award - supported by Boden

  1. Abbie Jarvis - University of Lancashire

  2. Amber Lita - Northumbria University

  3. Annabel Gilgallon - Northumbria University

  4. Annabel Kellett-Payne - De Montfort University

  5. Emma Haslam - Nottingham Trent University

  6. Fern Haworth - University of Lancashire

  7. Isobel Brown - University of Leeds

  8. Jasmine Hotchkiss - Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

  9. Lucy Esgate - Leeds Arts University

  10. Mia Shaw - University of Leeds

  11. Naomi Robinson - University of Lancashire

  12. Poppy Jones - Arts University Bournemouth


Considered Fashion Award

  1. Amy Brigden - Northbrook College

  2. Katie Rickett - Northumbria University

  3. Polly Adams - University of Leeds

  4. Bethan Colohan - Sheffield Hallam University

  5. Heather Anderson - Nottingham Trent University

  6. Niamh Frith - University of Lancashire

  7. Kenzie Murray - Leeds Arts University

  8. Ellie Shaw - Northumbria University

  9. Ellie Hindley - University of Leeds

  10. Isabella Goldsmith - Manchester Metropolitan University

  11. Chung Wa (Raven) Yau - Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

  12. Emma Huckle - De Montfort University


Tailoring Award - supported by Dugdale Bros & Co

  1. Joseph Barker - JCA | London Academy

  2. Archie Busek - University for the Creative Arts

  3. Maeve Dean - Arts University Bournemouth

  4. Mayo Kanamori - Arts University Bournemouth

  5. Emma Jackson - Manchester Metropolitan University

  6. Lucy Esgate - Leeds Arts University

  7. Barnaby Walls - Bath Spa University

  8. Sam Jiang - Kingston University

  9. Olivia Rudd - University for the Creative Arts

  10. Sophie Roberts - Northumbria University

  11. Nuo Xu - Winchester School of Art

  12. Arthur Hardiman - Kingston University


The Hilary Alexander Sustainable Trailblazer Collection Award

  1. Amy Brigden - Northbrook College

  2. Jessie Stith - Leeds Arts University

  3. Nina Cushing - Manchester Metropolitan University

  4. Amy Brown - University of Lancashire

  5. Maeve Dean - Arts University Bournemouth

  6. Khaos Rose Blakk - London College of Contemporary Arts

  7. Grace Yates - The University of Greater Manchester

  8. Kenzie Murray - Leeds Arts University

  9. Senuji de Silva - Northumbria University

  10. Liliana Rochado - University of Lancashire

  11. Hansel Abakah-Phillips - Bath Spa University

  12. Lucy Cowap - Kingston University


Fashion Portfolio Award

  1. Millie Watkins - Nottingham Trent University

  2. Madeline Bird - University of the West of England

  3. Amy Brown - University of Lancashire

  4. Isobel Brown - University of Leeds

  5. Nuo Xu - Winchester School of Art

  6. Savannah Berry - Bath Spa University

  7. Jasmine Harrowsmith - Kingston University

  8. Yolanda Cookson-Sanz - University of Lancashire

  9. Estella Jenkins - University of Leeds

  10. Galya Nedeva - London College of Contemporary Arts

  11. Chung Wa (Raven) Yau - Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

  12. Angus Lallah - Gray's School of Art


Inclusive Fashion Award

  1. Gunta Andrews - Anglia Ruskin University

  2. Amy Brigden - Northbrook College

  3. Lucy Hargraves - University of the West of England

  4. Estella Jenkins - University of Leeds

  5. Jessica Price - Sheffield Hallam University

  6. Margarida dos Santos - Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

  7. Stella Shykolenko - Norwich University of the Arts

  8. Tianey West - Solent University

  9. Umber Naeem - Kingston University

  10. Thet Thet Soe - Manchester Metropolitan University

  11. Jenna Lad - Nottingham Trent University

  12. Russell Eaton - Northumbria University


Fashion Innovation Award - supported by F&F

  1. Abigail Wyman - Solent University

  2. Charlotte Mansfield - Manchester Metropolitan University

  3. Chung Wa (Raven) Yau - Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

  4. Cosi Standeven - Nottingham Trent University

  5. Ellie Shaw - Northumbria University

  6. Emily Holdsworth - Kingston University

  7. Emma Patel - Solent University

  8. Eve McArdle - Nottingham Trent University

  9. Kashvi Soni - University for the Creative Arts

  10. Madeleine Edwards - Manchester Metropolitan University

  11. Niamh Frith - University of Lancashire

  12. Florence Walker - University of the West of England


Discover the Graduate Fashion Week 2026 schedule.

Media and industry can attend at no cost by registering, and tickets for the catwalk and exhibition, are available now.

Join Us At Graduate Fashion Week 2026


Awards

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Awards |

Lucie Luke

Communications Assistant at Graduate Fashion Foundation

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