Graduate Fashion Foundation is proud to introduce its newest cohort of 20 Global Ambassadors who join the charity this February 2025, a group of visionary creatives, industry leaders, and cultural innovators shaping the future of fashion, design, and media.
These influential figures, who have made significant strides across the fashion industry, will serve as mentors and role models, guiding and inspiring emerging creatives, as well as promoting the charity's work. The Graduate Fashion Foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between education and employment in fashion, and the new ambassadors will play a key role in advancing this mission by offering their expertise, wisdom, and support to young talent.
Through initiatives such as Graduate Fashion Week, industry networking opportunities, live university briefs, brand partner competitions, and year-round mentoring, Graduate Fashion Foundation equips the next generation of graduates with the tools and visibility needed for success. With a powerful network of ambassadors from various sectors of the fashion world, Graduate Fashion Foundation continues to foster inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
Graduate Fashion Foundation Charity and Event Director Nicola Hitchens said, “We are thrilled to have the vital support of these leading industry voices and motivational change makers join GFF as Global Ambassadors. They each join the charity with many years of experience in their specialist areas, and they will hugely inspire the next generation of talent emerging from UK and international universities we support."
Meet the new Global Ambassadors:
Dr. Samuel Ross MBE, Ross’ contributions to fashion have been well-documented, with awards including three British Fashion Awards, two GQ Awards, and the Hublot Design Prize. Ross has been awarded two doctorates. Ross’ practice spans from solo exhibitions with White Cube and Friedman Benda to innovative wearable objects engineered with LVMH, Nike, and Apple. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the V&A. In 2014, Ross founded a-cold-wall*, a luxury sportswear brand, which he sold in 2023 after establishing global stores and collaborations, including a-cold-wall* x Nike. In 2019, Ross founded sr_a, focusing on artisan-driven industrial beautification of garments, objects, and space. In 2024, sr_a entered a joint venture with Zara. In 2020, he launched the Black British artist grants program, providing funding to 50 artists.
Rahemur Rahman is a London-based fashion designer known for blending traditional tailoring, artisanal craft, and natural dye from Bangladesh. Rahemur’s collections have gained critical acclaim for their innovative sustainable designs that are designed from the death of the garment to its inception. He was shortlisted for the prestigious British Fashion Council’s Prize in 2021 and continues to make waves with his distinct approach to creativity and community. He is also a senior fashion lecturer at Central St Martins and director of training and development at the British Bangladeshi Fashion Council.
Rahemur said on joining GFF as Ambassador, "As a product of local youth services in lower socio-economic areas of the UK, I've seen how good support, advice, and financial help can change the trajectory of a young person's life. I hope to repay the world for the privileges I was given, and this ambassador opportunity allows me to do that."
Jamie Windust is an award-winning, non-binary model, writer, and advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry. Their work has been instrumental in pushing for greater representation of LGBTQ+ and non-binary individuals throughout the fashion and beauty industry and has featured in digital campaigns for H&M, Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier. As a writer and author, Jamie has contributed to publications such as GAY TIMES and Men's Health, bringing LGBTQ+ voices into spaces they've not been before. Jamie was also a recipient of a Graduate Fashion Week award in 2018, where they showcased their graduate work at GFW.
Jamie said on joining GFF as a Global Ambassador: "Supporting and encouraging creativity is something that should be a priority for everyone, no matter what industry you work in. There is creativity in every part of our world, and being able to help nurture the future creative talent alongside the Graduate Fashion Foundation is an honour and a privilege. As they helped me during the beginning of my career, I hope to give back and let the talent of the future know that there's always space for their creativity in this world. The work they do is so fundamental in bringing a cacophony of unique, talented, and visionary ideas to the forefront of industries across the world, and long may that continue."
Yu Masui is a Japanese-born journalist and writer whose eye-catching aesthetic made Yu a standout in the fashion industry. Yu travels the world attending global fashion weeks, covering major shows and scouting the freshest talent.
Yu said on becoming an ambassador, “Since the beginning of my fashion career, I’ve been engaged in roles supporting emerging talents. I was involved with buying at the pineal eye back in early 2000 to start with. Now I’m still continuing through my writing, scout job & social media. Perhaps an outfit too! It is just so natural to me. To be honest, I prefer discovering exciting new designers more than attending luxury brands’ shows.
Phoebe Lettice-Thompson is a stylist, creative director, and brand consultant, working across celebrity, music, runway, and brand. With over 15 years of experience as a stylist and creative, Phoebe Lettice Thompson has carved out an inimitable, glamorous, London-infused, and joyful aesthetic that has seen her collaborate with the biggest and brightest names from across the global fashion industry. Phoebe began her career at numerous high fashion publications such as Tatler magazine and American Vogue. As part of her discipline, Phoebe has consistently championed local, homegrown designers and emerging talent. Phoebe said on her new role as ambassador, “Supporting emerging British fashion talent is essential to preserving creativity and innovation in the UK. The next gen represents the future of the industry, driving the evolution of fashion both in the UK and around the world, and I'm looking forward to the work we'll do to push this to the fore in 2025.”
Phoebe said on her new role as ambassador, “Supporting emerging British fashion talent is essential to preserving creativity and innovation in the UK. The next gen represents the future of the industry, driving the evolution of fashion both in the UK and around the world.”
Jawara Alleyne is a designer renowned for celebrating his Jamaican heritage and culture through his collections. Jawara Alleyne is an interdisciplinary artist, creative director, and educator whose work is rooted in identity. Alleyne graduated with a master's in design from Central Saint Martins in 2020 and, in 2021, launched his brand under the Fashion East initiative. His designs explore themes of identity and empowerment, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. His eponymous brand has a 360-degree circular approach, designing out of waste, reworking end-of-life garments, and repurposing deadstock materials.
Dr. Brett Staniland is a model and environmental advocate, known for his work promoting sustainability within the fashion industry. He has worked with leading sustainable brands and is a vocal advocate for ethical fashion practices. Brett has been nominated for various awards, and his work has been featured in museums across Europe. Brett’s dedication to reducing fashion’s environmental impact aligns with the Graduate Fashion Foundation’s commitment to sustainability.”
Brett said on joining as Ambassador, “It’s enormously important to me to support and harness the next generation of talent. Having spent a decade in higher education, I know firsthand what a difference additional support can make. To improve the state of fashion in the future, we have to provide the best opportunities to emerging young talent so they can enter the industry and have an impact.”
Foday Dumbuya is the founder and creative director of Labrum London. Dumbuya is known for his innovative designs that combine African heritage with British tailoring, telling stories on textiles. Foday’s work aims to challenge the conventions of menswear, bringing together culture, craftsmanship, and style. His brand has been recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry as well as being a future thinker, delivering eye-catching collaborations and runway shows.
Foday said on becoming an ambassador, Fashion is a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural expression, and the next generation of designers will shape the future of how we see and experience the world. Supporting young creatives isn’t just about giving them opportunities—it’s about ensuring their voices are heard. That’s why I’m proud to stand with the Graduate Fashion Foundation in helping to open doors for new talent.”
Toni-Blaze Ibekwe is Editor in Chief at Wonderland Magazine and Diversity Committee Member at the British Fashion Council. With a BA in Fashion Communication and Promotion, Ibekwe joined Wonderland as an intern shortly after graduating, quickly proceeding to the esteemed title of editor-in-chief.Ibekwe's creative directorship translates into her collaborations, where she has styled the likes of Wizkid, Ciara, Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong'o, Mary J. Blige, and Emma Watson while also working on global campaigns with Adidas, Bacardi, Perrier, and more.
Toni said on joining GFF as a global ambassador: "I'm thrilled to join as a global ambassador of GFW. The late GFF President Hilary Alexander OBE was a dear friend and inspiration, and I am honoured to keep her legacy alive and further equip the younger creative class."
Bianca Foley is the founder of the platform Sustainably Influenced, a presenter and podcast host, and a sustainable fashion content creator. She hosts the podcast Sustainably Influenced, where she discusses hot topics in the sustainability space and how we can all do more to include more ethical practices in all aspects of daily life. Over her decade in the industry, Bianca has worked with many brands, including PUMA, COACH, and Monica Vinader, and has been featured in the ITV news series called #FastFashion as well as publications including Harper's Bazaar, WhoWhatWear, and Woman and Home Magazine. For Bianca, sustainability is an ever-evolving term, and she believes that it’s the small collective changes that will make a difference.
Bianca said on joining GFF as a Global Ambassador: "I am passionate about supporting young emerging talent because they represent the future of creativity and innovation in our industry. The Graduate Fashion Foundation plays a vital role in nurturing these voices, and I am honoured to contribute as a Global Ambassador to champion their potential and provide the opportunities they deserve."
Gemma Metheringham is a circular fashion consultant, a secondhand fashion advocate, and a PhD student exploring how the exponential growth in the fashion resale market this century can be leveraged to support reductions in the fashion industry's overall environmental impact. Ex-Creative Director at Next Label Mix and Karen Millen, Gemma’s consistent support for emerging designers and sustainable fashion has made her an essential voice in the conversation on fashion’s future.
Gemma said on joining as Ambassador, "I am old enough to remember the excitement of attending the very first Graduate Fashion Week and seeing all that talent and energy on show all in one place! Over the many years that I've been involved with GFW, it's been a real privilege to watch each new generation of talent shaping the future of the fashion industry and highlighting the issues that are important to them. Now, more than ever, the fashion industry needs their new ideas and all their energy to support it in building a sustainable and equitable future for all of us."
Nicholas Daley is a British designer renowned for fusing traditional British tailoring with his Scottish and Jamaican heritage. His work celebrates diversity, community, culture, and craftsmanship, and his collections have garnered critical acclaim for their rich storytelling and unique blend of materials. Daley is recognised as a leading figure in a new wave of British menswear. His accolades include the 2019 International Woolmark Prize semi-final, an LVMH Prize finalist in 2020, and the 2022 BFC X GQ Designer Award. He has also received nominations for the British Fashion Council Awards in 2023 and 2024 for New Established Menswear and won the Saks Fifth Avenue The New Wave Award.
Nicholas said on becoming an ambassador, “It is very important to support the next generation of fashion designers, and it has been a rewarding experience to serve on the judging panel for the 2024 GFF Gold Award. Seeing so many impressive collections from universities across the UK was truly inspiring. I look forward to continuing my contributions to this important organisation, which leads the way in supporting emerging talent and preparing students for careers in the fashion industry. Staying true to your own creative path is very important, and I hope I can help support and guide the next generation through my involvement.”
Jiawa Liu is a fashion editor, creative director, and founder of the Paris and London multidisciplinary creative studio Beige Pill, pushing boundaries in the moving content space and focusing on amplifying marginalised voices. She has held many editorial positions in publishing, including Vogue Australia and Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, becoming known for her innovations in art direction, blurring the intersection of traditional and advanced visual image creation. Through her work, Jiawa has become a prominent figure in pushing for systemic change in the fashion industry by proactively highlighting and casting diverse talent in the media space.
Jiawa said on becoming an ambassador, “I myself came as an outsider into the fashion and creative industries not so long ago, and to have carved out my place, I am always grateful to those who took a risk on me, believed in me, and entrusted me with opportunities that allowed me to reach my potential. When we look at the iconic fashion talents that came before, none of them were, by any means, born fully formed. I am convinced that vital to their becoming were always, as they are today, guidance, opportunity, and most importantly, belief in their future potential.”
Claudia Croft is Editor at 10 Magazine. Croft has been at the forefront of championing emerging designers. Her work in influential publications, including British Vogue, has helped bring attention to new voices in fashion. Claudia’s eye for talent and her ability to tell the stories behind the clothes have earned her respect within the industry.
Claudia said, “There’s so much creative talent here in the UK. It’s so important to support that and look to the future. I’m excited to play a part in that.”
Helen Kirkum is known for her innovative approach to footwear design. Helen Kirkum’s work has disrupted traditional ideas of what sneakers can be. Her designs are a fusion of art and fashion, often using upcycled materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Helen’s dedication to sustainability and creativity has earned her recognition as a leader in sustainable design.
Helen said on her role supporting the Foundation, "I am a big advocate of supporting emerging graduates; it is their creativity and fresh ideas that keep the industry exciting. We have to support them with practical guidance to allow them to flourish; it's how we will shape a more thoughtful and responsible future for fashion!"
Jordan Mitchell and Liz MacCuish are the co-founders of Good Culture, a next-generation marketing agency operating at the intersection of talent, brands, and popular culture. With deep expertise in marketing and cultural strategy, they specialise in elevating clients beyond their category and into culture. Both Jordan and Liz have built careers shaping brand narratives, driving cultural impact, and advising industry leaders through their roles on multiple advisory boards.
They said, “Being Global Ambassadors for Graduate Fashion Foundation is an honour, and we’re excited to contribute to a future where innovation, inclusivity, and cultural impact lead the way. Fashion is a powerful conduit for culture, and supporting the next generation of talent is essential in breaking barriers and creating opportunities that allow emerging creatives to thrive."
Ashish Gupta is an Indian-born, London-based designer who combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements. His eponymous fashion label has been synonymous with glamour, maximalist design, and painstaking craftsmanship for over 20 years. Known for working in bold, joyful colours and creating clothes that are hand-embroidered in sequins and beads, he approaches his work with a rainbow palette and a glittering sensibility. Ashish is a pioneering voice in the fashion industry and has been an advocate for diversity throughout his career, challenging stereotypes and exploring the role that clothing can play in the politics of optimism and inclusion.
Ashish said on becoming an ambassador, “It is very important for me to be able to support emerging talent, especially in these challenging times. Fashion intersects with all other creative communities—it influences and is influenced by art, music, and film. Supporting aspiring voices helps to shape a more diverse and innovative industry, which enriches broader creative and cultural movements."
Funmi Fetto is Style Editor at British Vogue, an associate lecturer of fashion journalism at Central Saint Martin, a luxury brand strategist, and a celebrated style, arts, and culture journalist. Much of her work as an editor, a teacher, and a consultant centres around changing the narrative around under-represented/marginalised people and ensuring their stories and voices are heard. As a digital and print journalist, she has worked and written for numerous publications and organisations, including Glamour.com, Vanity Fair, InStyle, Sunday Times Style, The Guardian, Tatler, and The Observer Magazine, where she writes a weekly beauty column. She is the author of “Shopping For Vintage”—a” book on how to buy and collect vintage fashion—and “Palette: The Beauty Bible For Women Of Colour.”. Her latest book, Hail Mary, a collection of short stories on the lives of 9 Nigerian women, will be published by Harper Collins (US) and Oneworld (UK) in April 2025.
Funmi said on becoming an ambassador. “I have been fortunate enough to work with many talented peers, assistants, and 'elders' and people who have inspired me and helped not only to shape my lens but also the choices—big and small—I have made in my career. I am excited by the prospect of being able to champion and support and hopefully inspire the next generation of fashion talent in the same way."
Chani Ra is the host of The Fashion Nap podcast, a favourite among fashion insiders, interviewing fashion's favourite faces spanning the decades. Chani started her digital fashion journey as @thefashionnap on TikTok, where she is dedicated to telling fashion stories, past and present, as well as sharing tales from her own wardrobe and her journey as a model. In three words, Chani Ra is all about fashion, facts, and fun!
Chani said on becoming an ambassador, “Nurturing the next generation of talent is so important in an industry that has so many limitations for so many. Talent is rarely the issue; it's access. Seeing the work the GFF continues to do to lead emerging talents from education to employment is inspiring. Any small way I can contribute to their ongoing efforts will be an honour.”
Why These Ambassadors Matter:
Graduate Fashion Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting and celebrating individuals who drive change within the creative industries. This diverse group of ambassadors reflects the foundation’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and the power of storytelling through fashion disciplines.
They join the current established ambassadors;
Caryn Franklin MBE, Fashion Commentator and agent for change; Christopher Raeburn, Designer and Creative Director; Richard Quinn, Designer; Fabio Piras, Ma Course Director at Central St Martins; Henry Holland, Designer; Patrick McDowell, Designer, Munroe Bergdorf, Model and Activist; Iain R Webb, Editor and Professor; Julien Macdonald OBE, Designer; Sara Maino, Vogue Italia; Daniel Lismore, Living Artist; Pam Hogg, Designer; Bemi Shaw, Styling and Journalist; Catherine Teatum and Rob Jones, Founders of Teatum Jones; Edeline Lee, Designer; Eunice Olumide MBE, Model; Ida Petersson, Ex Buying Director and Founder of The Good Egg Agency; Isabella Silvers, Journalist; Orsola de Castro, Founder of Fashion Revolution and Mandi Lennard, PR Consultant.