The British Fashion Council (BFC) can announce that Kingston University
are the well deserved winners of this year’s Drapers College Portfolio
Award. The award is given to the college that brings the best portfolio
based on overall presentation. It was presented by Drapers editor
Lauretta Roberts during the BFC’s Colleges Council Open Day which took
place at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) building.
22 Colleges exhibited their fashion students portfolios and they were
judged by Anne Tyrrell, BFC Collages Council Chair, Lauretta Roberts,
editor of Drapers, Gary Edgley menswear buyer for Selfridges, Erin
Mullaney, womenswear buyer for Browns and designers Erdem Moralioglu
and Jens Laugesen.
The annual Collages Council Open Day gives industry insiders the
opportunity to preview the work of graduates who will be entering the
job market later in the year. A wide range of retailers, manufacturers
and design companies are invited to drop in during the day. Lauretta
Roberts, editor of Drapers and judge, said ‘I thought it was really
interesting that all the judges thought there was one stand-out
university this year, showing that in this instance buyers, designers
and press were all looking for the same thing. I am so pleased that
Drapers were once again able to show our support for the fantastic
creative talent in the UK’s universities. Elinor Renfrew, leader of
fashion courses, at Kingston University said of their success ‘We
realise that the competition is tougher every year and being here
amongst representatives for the best British talent is a real accolade
for Kingston University. The judges knew what they were looking for and
we are really pleased to have been able to represent out students.’
Anne Tyrrell, Colleges Council Chair and judge commented ‘I’d like to
feel that the Colleges Council could provide a stepping stone to work
experience and internships to complement the career paths of our
talented graduates. Today has been a great step forward.’
ENDS
The 22 exhibiting colleges included Arts Institute at Bournemouth, Bath Spa University,
Birmingham City University, DeMontfort University, Edinburgh College of Art, Kingston University,
Liverpool John Moores University, London College of Fashion, Manchester Metropolitan University,
Nottingham Trent University, Plymouth College of Art, Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communications, Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Thames Valley University, The University of
Northampton, University College of the Creative Arts, University of Brighton, University of East
London, University of Northumbria, University of Salford, University of the West of England and
Wiltshire College Salisbury.
Press Kit