Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is very proud to announce that 11 students have been selected to take part in the Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) Talent of Tomorrow Campaign 2025.
The Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF) Talent of Tomorrow 2025 features the work of 54 of the top emerging graduate fashion designers from universities across the UK, including three final-year students from AUB’s BA (Hons) Fashion degree and eight final-year students from BA (Hons) Fashion Communication.
Showcasing the very best creative talent that British universities have to offer, the GFW Talent of Tomorrow photoshoot was produced and shot solely by final year students graduating this June. The Fashion Communication students were given the opportunity to art direct, style and photograph the professional shoot, which showcases looks from design students from all member universities.
Students were mentored in their specialist areas by industry leaders including photographers Grace Hodgson and Mathushaa Sagthidas; The Guardian journalist, VIP stylist and GFF Ambassador Bemi Shaw, and journalist and GFF Academic Trustee Emma Calder.
"This was an incredible learning and networking opportunity for all eleven students involved," says Elena Crehan, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion. "Ethan Hopkins, Luci Harris, and Lydia Ward were chosen to showcase their looks, which demonstrates the breadth of design talent at AUB. A further eight students contributed as photographers, photography editors, creative directors, and stylists working in teams with students from other universities. It is such a fantastic opportunity to get real world experience with the guidance of mentors.”
VIP stylist and GFW Ambassador Phoebe Lettice Thompson selected this year’s designers to feature and handed over the curation to the six student teams, each consisting of students from a mix of universities shooting looks from different fashion design.
The six selected graduating teams took on the roles of photographer, creative director, stylist, hair and make-up artists, behind-the-scenes (BTS) photographer and shoot videographer as well as a dedicated team of final year students running the GFF social media and communication channels for the two-day shoot in Shoreditch, home of the Truman Brewery where the GFW event continues to be held.
The BA (Hons) Fashion Communication students on the teams were: Tilly Evans working as a photography editor along with Lily Bluebell Wyatt as a Stylist on Lucy Harris’ looks; Izzy Beedie working as a BTS photographer on Lydia Ward’s looks; Sophie Robertson working as a photography editor, alongside Izzi Glover as a creative director and Immy Williams as a BTS photographer, and finally, Ava Batten working as a stylist with Danielle Saldanha as a BTS photographer.
“Working as the BTS photographer for the photoshoot was a really rewarding and inspiring experience," says Izzy. "It was exciting to capture the behind-the-scenes energy, documenting the creative process, team interactions, and the atmosphere of the day.
“I especially enjoyed collaborating with new creatives from different disciplines, which gave me fresh insight into styling, direction, and production. The experience not only strengthened my photography and storytelling skills but also highlighted the value of creative collaboration within fashion.”
Ava adds, “Being chosen as a stylist for GFW’s Talent of Tomorrow photoshoot was a brilliant and exciting opportunity to bring my creative approach and styling skills to a bigger platform.
“The experience allowed me to really explore how styling can elevate a designer’s work, from thinking about colour and shape to matching each look with the right model. I wanted to make sure every outfit told a story and felt authentic to the designer’s vision.
“It was also a great chance to network and work closely with a new team all from different universities, contribute ideas, and lead the styling process to ensure each look aligned and came together on set. The experience really pushed me and gave me more confidence within my creative practice as a stylist.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been recognised for my hard work and selected as a stylist for the GFW Talent of Tomorrow 2025 photoshoot," says Lily. "It was an inspiring experience to work behind the scenes on such a large-scale production. I learned so much throughout the day and had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and fellow students from across the UK.
“The energy on set was amazing – everyone was so passionate and excited to be there, it made me even more excited for future projects in the professional fashion industry.”
Corinna Budnarowska, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion Communication says, “The opportunity for collaboration that GFW offers our students is so valuable and we’re very proud that our students are chosen year after year and receive such high praise for their work.”
The GFW collaboration allows multiple students to build their portfolios and CV whilst networking with other future creatives of the fashion industry. The showcased designs ranged from sustainable materials and avant-garde silhouettes to culturally inspired pieces, offering a glimpse into the vibrant creativity that GFW nurtures every year. With each photoshoot, GFF continues its commitment to celebrating diversity and championing new talent, ensuring that the voices and visions of tomorrow's designers are seen and heard.
The photoshoot featured six diverse new face models who joined GFW for each day of the campaign, bringing the designers' visions to life. Each model’s unique look helped to elevate the stunning creations, highlighting not only the craftsmanship of the garments but also the inclusive and representative spirit of the industry’s next generation.
“The final collections produced for 2025 is of the highest calibre and the campaign is truly original and extraordinary, reflecting the talent that our British universities produce," says Nicola Hitchens, GFF Charity Director and Head of Special Projects.
“This project was a fantastic way in giving the graduating year an opportunity to both work upon and produce a professional shoot. It was inspiring to see so many students from different degree courses and UK universities working together collaboratively. We feel very passionately about letting the talent of the degree courses shine. By giving the reigns for the shoot direction, location, style and hair and make-up looks, we see new and innovative work emerge to shake up the British fashion scene.”
GFF is in its 34th year and continues to bring the latest innovative and exciting emerging talent to the world’s attention, showcasing the fashion innovators of tomorrow.
GFW opens on Friday 13 June and will run until Monday 16 June, with AUB’s catwalk show taking place on Sunday 13 June at 14.30.
