The votes for the People’s Choice Award ended on Sunday night and with just under 4,000 entries, we're really pleased to be able to announce the winner! This year's Graduate Fashion Week was filled to the brim with creative ingenuity, collections as platforms for making political points and expert craftsmanship.
The SmartFocus People's Choice Award gave 25 finalist's the chance to win the opportunity to attend and show their collection at the Graduate Fashion Week reception this Autumn – held at a prestigious location and attended by important figures from across the fashion and retail industry. Now that the votes have been sorted, we would love to say a huge congratulations to Yingi Goma from UCA Rochester who won with over 550 votes!
The Contemporary artist, Womenswear and Menswear Designer sent a collection of six looks down the catwalk on Monday 5th June. The looks formed a cohesive collection constructed with a focus upon mixed media, including print and embroidery.
With many sources of inspiration, Yingi focused upon a 419 motif, inspired by the below image.
Coming in at second with over 450 votes is Sarah Rafferty from Nottingham Trent University, who also showcased a menswear collection, with references to classical tuxedo shapes with a mixture of pinstripes. Take a look through her collection below.
In third place is Claire Tagg, a fashion textiles print graduate from UCA Rochester - who received over 250 votes! Her collection is one of sublime, delicate prints on reworked feminine silhouettes. See the looks and backstage antics below!
Photography by Nicholas Kristiansen, Amaryliss Knight, Danny Woodward