Progression: 4 months on

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In September of last year, Amelia and I decided that for our FMP we would work hand in hand to organise the end of year graduate fashion show. This felt like a huge responsibility but nevertheless, we were incredibly excited for the journey. To be able to say that we planned a fashion show to showcase the amazing work of these designers filled us with pride. Of course, the show has unfortunately been cancelled due to the pandemic and although this has made us incredibly sad that we will not be able to fulfil what we started; we haven’t let it stop us brainstorming creative ideas on how to ensure that these designers get the showcase that they deserve.

Since meeting them all properly for the first time in November of last year, their lovely and friendly faces made us instantly feel comfortable around them. This made it even more exciting to start working with these girls, knowing that they were so kind and passionate about what they do. From the first meetings, Amelia and I walked around and introduced ourselves to every designer around the room and from then were acquainted with their unique and endlessly creative concepts. We were so unbelievably impressed to see and hear how they manifested these eclectic ideas and the passion in their voices; it was almost as if we could already picture these creations on the catwalk and knew how incredible it was going to be. We have since had meetings to discuss music for each collection, with the help of Steve Middleton who has been amazing helping us with this. It has really helped the vision come together and just means we are one step closer to the finish line.

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4 months ago:

Although at the time, most of the work they had were sketches and mood boards; some were still unsure on what exactly their garments would look like, but even seeing the drawings and their colours could paint a picture. Considering it had only been a couple of months into the semester, they had already come so far and we were blown away by the amount of imagination and talent in the room. Looking back at this now and realising it has only been another 4 months since then; they have come on leaps and bounds. Before the University shut due to Coronavirus, I even had the pleasure to model a few of the designer’s first outfits that they had completed.

Alysha Lily Stroud

Edith Kinsella

Niamh Hodghton

I couldn’t believe the quality of their work and how they had produced something in what seemed like such a short amount of time, I almost felt like a proud mother! Each and every one of the designers should feel so proud of how far they have come and what they have achieved. They are going to go so far in the future and I know that Amelia and I can’t wait to witness it. It may seem so hard in these circumstances and I know for one how hard it can be to stay motivated when it seems like the world is falling apart; but never give up. We cannot wait to see everyone’s completed collections and to be able to have one hell of a celebration! Because I think if you are able to remain strong enough to get through a situation like the one we’re in now, then you can achieve anything.

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Now:

A few of the other designers are yet to upload images of their current work but here are there accounts to also follow:

Samantha Scuderi: @samantha.scu93

Molly Cumpsty: @mollycumpsty_

Marieta Kotova: @marietakotova

Chante Kemika: @chantekemika

Please consider following all of the designers and supporting their hard work.

I have no doubt that these girls are going to achieve wonderful things. They have been amazing in adapting to being at home and making every effort to complete their collection. We wish it didn’t have to be this way, but we are determined to make sure that the designers feel as though they have had the showcase that they deserve; because they truly do deserve something wonderful.

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For now, stay safe and be sure to keep your eye out for new updates and developments that Amelia and I are working hard on!

Millie Xx