The British Fashion Council (BFC) Princess of Wales Charitable Trust announces that, for 2012, four graduate students from across the country have been awarded an MA Scholarship.
Students to be supported are Louise Annis from Huddersfield University and Emma Hardstaff from the Edinburgh School of Art, both recipients of an MA in Womenswear Design at the Royal College of Art (RCA); Serena Gili from Central St Martins (CSM), who has been awarded an MA in Fashion (Knitwear) at CSM and Jousianne Propp from the Manchester School of Art, who has received an MA in Womenswear (Knitwear) at the RCA.
The decision to increase the number of recipients this year recognises the amount of raw talent coming out of the UK’s colleges; with the abilities and skills demonstrated being of the highest calibre.
The recipients were selected by an independent advisory panel comprising, designer Betty Jackson, and BFC Princess of Wales Charitable Trust trustees Anna Harvey, Anne Tyrrell and Simon Ward. The scholarships help the chosen students with their course fees and expenses.
Final year degree students are invited to submit their portfolio and application, which includes a reference from their Head of Course, as well as their offer letter from the MA College. Following a portfolio assessment and selection process, shortlisted finalists are invited for an interview with the panel.
This year, the BFC Princess of Wales Charitable Trust followed up with all past MA Scholarship winners since the scholarships were first awarded in 1998. Feedback will be incorporated in mentoring to be given to current and future recipients, helping to cement its long term aim of acquiring additional scholarship funding and securing the development of future talent.
“I was really impressed by the quality of applicants this year. There were a lot of British applicants and there were superb portfolio presentations. The candidates interviewed extremely well and it was so exciting to see such a high standard of work from our British colleges. It was encouraging that the candidates seemed very determined to complete an MA in spite of the hardship and difficulties the current cost of courses create. I was particularly thrilled that the Trustees decided to give one of the awards to an applicant doing a creative pattern cutting course as the graduate and her work were so exceptional. This follows a successful pattern cutting seminar organised by the BFC Colleges Council in April.” - Anne Tyrell, BFC Princess of Wales Charitable Trust Trustee and Chair of the BFC Colleges Council
Simon Ward, Trustee and BFC COO commented,
“We felt that it was the right time to increase the number of recipients receiving scholarships, as the sheer talent coming out at grass roots level of the industry is phenomenal. I’m sure Louise, Emma, Serena and Jouisanne have very exciting futures ahead and wish them all the best in the next stage of their education.”
For press enquiries please contact:
Ellie Wilson, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1986
ellie.wilson@britishfashioncouncil.com
For enquiries on the BFC Princess of Wales Charitable Trust and BFC Colleges Council please contact:
Alex Woodfield, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1960
alex.woodfield@britishfashioncouncil.com