Today Graduate Fashion Foundation announces the continuation of the successful Graduate Fashion Mentoring Programme, this year supporting the Class of 2020 who graduated in June whose studies were greatly affected by the pandemic. The mentoring programme is aimed to provide support as they enter into the fashion industry and as they transition into the next step of their career by pairing them with a long-term experienced industry mentor.
During their 30th year, the GFF mentoring scheme especially created to provide ongoing support post-graduation, has selected 30 graduates to receive mentoring support from leading industry members. Graduates starting out in the industry will have a relationship with their mentor for one year from Spring 2021 – Spring 2022 and will meet for their sessions digitally until June and in person in the later half of the year under government guidelines. The sessions will take place every two months.
The Mentoring Programme was opened to all Class of 2020 graduates who studied a course registered at a GFF UK Member university. All applications were reviewed by a panel before the final graduates were selected for the scheme based upon what they are looking to gain from the mentorship experience and individual future aims with both industry and their personal careers. The programme was available to support across all 26 fashion disciplines represented by GFF, including; Journalism, Marketing, Branding, Design, Photography and Fashion Media to name but a few.
The industry mentoring panel for the Graduate Fashion Foundation Mentoring Programme, consists of volunteer executive professionals from the fashion industry, within areas such as retail, design, manufacturing, business management, PR, media, marketing, legal and recruitment. GFF strongly believes that the mentoring programme and with the help of dedicated mentors they can improve the skills of talented graduates helping them towards achieving successful careers, boosting employability ad enriching the UK fashion industry.
Portfolio Reviews taking place at GFW 2019 on the Givenchy Stand - Image by Nicci Ebert
The Industry Mentors:
· Alison Lowe, How to Start a Brand Author and Founder of Felicities
· Ann Hardiman, Head of Fashion Design at Oliver Bonas
· Bemi Shaw, VIP Stylist and GFF Ambassador
· Catherine Teatum & Rob Jones, Creative Directors at Teatum Jones and GFF Ambassadors
· Caren Downie, Director at The Fashion Squat Ltd and brand consultant
· Colin Naylor, Commerical Consultant and Brand Guide
· Claire Commeau, Fashion & Textile Consultant and Founder of the Fashion Interview Coach
· Dean Cook, Head of Menswear Buying at Browns
· Gemma Metheringham, Creative Director at Label/Mix
· Hampus Berggren, Menswear Designer at Alexander McQueen
· Henry Holland, Designer and GFF Ambassador
· Ida Petersson, Buying Director at Browns and GFF Ambassador
· James Geraghty, Menswear Designer at Mr Porter
· Jade Hannam, Senior Designer at River Island
· Jan Miller, Fashion Management Consultant and Finance & Operations Director at Marques Almeida
· Jo Gowans-Eglinton, Head of Creative Marketing, Europe at Urban Outfitters
· Katie Greenyer, Global Creative Talent & Network Director at Pentland Brands
· Lizzy Bowring, Fashion Editor, Fashion Consultant and ex-head of WGSN Catwalks
· Naomi New, Design Controller at River Island
· Myriam Coudoux, Head of PR & Brand Experience UK at Swarovski at Swarovski
· Olivia Hewitt, Senior Designer at River Island
· Oliver Moores, Design Manager at A Cold Wall
· Pam Wright: Pam Wright Associates, Marketing and Advertising Expert
· Patrick McDowell, Founder of Patrick McDowell, Sustainability Design Director at Pinko and GFF Global Ambassador
· Rankin and Chelsea Stemple, Executive Producer & Agent at Rankin
· Rosie Hardwich, Creative Lead at ForPeople
· Samuel Pearce, Creative Design Manager at New Balance facilitated by Graduate Fashion Foundation partners size?
· Simon Cotton, Chief Executive at Johnstons of Elgin
· Stephanie Finnan, Chief Executive Officer at Fashion Careers Council and Creative Search Recruitment Founder.
Portfolio Reviews taking place at GFW 2019 on the LVMH Stand- Image by Nicci Ebert
What does the mentors help with?
· Guide the graduate on their next career steps
· Support the graduate with the move towards employment
· Support the graduate to identify goals and targets to work towards and achieve aspirations
· Advice on best work practices and professional approach
· Help sharpen graduate’s CV, portfolio and interview techniques
· Offer them support and motivation
· Advice on overcoming obstacles and being in professional environment
· Sharing personal experiences
· Signpost to other support resources, connect with their network
Nicola Hitchens the Special Projects & Communications Director at Graduate Fashion Foundation said; “Here at Graduate Fashion Foundation we strongly believe in supporting the next generation of talent and the GFF Mentoring Programme allows us to continue to bridge the gap between education and industry within the UK. It supports industry experts in sharing advice and experience with graduates and stimulates their personal and professional growth. We are overwhelmed by the incredible support of the mentors who have joined the programme this year, and with the industry as a whole in wanting to support the Class of 2020 graduates who had their time at university cut short due to Covid-19 whilst entering the fashion industry at a really difficult time for all.”