The exclusive House of Parliament reception is an annual event hosted by Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with UK Fashion and Textiles Association (UKFT). The event will be held at The Riverside Terrace, Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 14th November to celebrate and support the best talent from 2017 and, to launch GFW 2018.
The invite only event, gives award winning graduates the chance to be seen by industry experts and key policy makers aiding to enable success in their future career. Graduate Fashion Week has launched the careers of many in the industry including Stella McCartney, Mathew Williamson and Giles Deacon to name a few.
In comparison to previous years, the catwalk has been replaced with a presentation, giving the guests the opportunity to look closer at all the creative designs. Each designer will have at least one piece on display during the night and whilst looking at the innovative pieces, guests can at the same time speak to the designer, hear all about their ideas and get to know them a little better. It is a display of the interdisciplinary nature and future of fashion, with footwear, digital projects and garment designs on show.
“Graduate Fashion Week is an invaluable platform for all fashion graduates. We work in an incredibly competitive industry and the hardest part can be ensuring your work is seen by the right people. Graduate Fashion Week is the platform that connects students with industry leaders and large companies, giving graduates the best possible start.”
Henry Holland, MBE, Founder and Creative Director of House of Holland on Houses of Parliament 2016.
We recognise the importance of new talent and for graduates to connect with the wider fashion community, and that is why we host this event, to help young emerging designers to meet key people in the industry and give them the opportunity to network directly with them whilst the designs are on display in the venue for all the guests to see.
We are pleased to have Damian Collins, MP - Chairman of The Culture, Media and Sports Committee opening the reception this year, followed by Hilary Alexander OBE, the charity's Industry Trustee and passionate supporter of young talent, who will introduce this years graduates.
During the night we will also hear Chairman of UKFT Nigel Lugg and Graduate Fashion Week Chairman and Mothercare CEO Mark Newton-Jones, let us know their thoughts on this years success and also announce exciting projects for the year.
Check back next week to read the inside view of the event!
Words by Madeline Andersson
Images from Houses of Parliament 2016 by Anghaard Thomas