AUB students sweep Graduate Fashion Week shortlist with over 20 nominations

The awards span a range of specialisms, including pattern cutting, accessories, fashion styling and creative direction, culture and heritage, illustration and publication, among others.

BA (Hons) Fashion student Poppy Williams is a double-shortlistee, having been nominated for both the Accessories Award and the Digital Fashion Award for her project, Subliminals.

“I wanted to base my project on something personal to me and genuine, so I dedicated it to exploring the fearless style of queer women throughout history. Highlighting the lesbians who pioneered the butch/masc style today.

“The clubs, Le Monocle in 1920s Paris, and Gateways in 1950s London, were my main inspiration for this project. I wanted to bring the clubs and their women back to life and spotlight the glamour, suits, short hair and their love for each other. Emphasising the subliminal messaging left in queer style.

Poppy explains that her project has taken its own unique path compared to her peers, saying, “I was worried I would hold myself back from opportunities with fashion.”

“However, digital is the new age,” she continues, “I think doing something you really love creates amazing work in its own right. Crafting leather handbags has also been a really fun way to create physical fashion outside of garments!”

Another student up for more than award is BA (Hons) Fashion Communication student Danielle Saldanha, who explores her background, culture and heritage in an interactive publication entitled Nana’s House.

“As an Indian Catholic whose family was converted by the Portuguese in the 16th century, my transcultural heritage has had an effect on my upbringing,” Danielle explains. “Dedicated to my grandparents who, through sharing stories of life in their little enclave of Mumbai, have inspired me to document it – this publication aims to immerse the viewer in untold narratives of a minority community.

Danielle has been nominated for both the Culture and Heritage Non-Design Award and the Terry Mansfield Publication Award, saying she is “thrilled”.

“It's so rewarding to gain this recognition and to know that others resonate with my concept. This was a deeply personal project and I'm just so glad that there is space for international creatives like me to let our voices be heard. I'm also so humbled and honoured to have my name up there amongst the other talented shortlisted creatives.”

BA (Hons) Fashion student Ethan Hopkins has been nominated for the Next Fashion Trend Award, for his autumn/winter collection, The Fallen Clan, which blends “the rugged beauty of Scotland’s mountains and ancient ruins with the dark allure of unknown horrors.”

“Each piece tells a story of resilience, ruin, and the haunting presence of the unknown. The Fallen Clan uses meticulous trend research from the next few years to initiate design processes that will last for years to come and to further enhance the collection into the contemporary market with both commercial and high fashion within the range.

“I feel honoured to be recognised by the industry this early on, it's an amazing opportunity to showcase my collection on the AUB runway and the Mens runway show, and I am very grateful that I have been selected to participate in both of them.”

GFW forms part of AUB’s programme of appearances at London showcases, where graduating students can exhibit their final projects to industry professionals and the public, gain important contacts, take home awards, and even acquire work placements and internships to kick-start their creative careers.

Alongside presenting her work to the panel of judges at the start of the weekend, Poppy has also been selected to present her portfolio to Jimmy Choo Academy.

“Studying BA (Hons) Fashion at AUB has given me such a broad, valuable skill set,” she says. “I feel like I've been taught how to do just about everything related to fashion, which leaves me feeling really confident when applying for any future job roles.

“I also have had lots of freedom to take my work down my path, and working in an arts-only university allows you to be surrounded by so many like-minded people, which I find really encouraging.”

Ultimately, GFW is an opportunity for students to display the results of three years of hard work, study and determination at AUB.

“I've had the loveliest time on my Fashion Communication course,” says Danielle. “The staff have always been so lovely, encouraging, and helpful. It's really the most wonderful environment to be learning in – to know that you're supported, especially during the most crucial and stressful times. I'm definitely going to miss both the lecturers and the technicians on my course – my project wouldn't have been possible without their guidance.”

Ethan echoes Danielle’s comments, saying, “The staff are always down to help you problem-solve, especially the technicians, who are constantly around helping us perfect our craft. I would not have gotten where I am now without them.

“I have learnt a copious amount of knowledge from the staff members here at AUB; my favourites include knit and tailoring, which are a big part of my collection.”

El Crehan and Corinna Budnarowska, course leaders on BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons) Fashion Communication respectively at AUB, comment, "We are super excited and proud of the graduating year of students from both courses of FASHION X AUB.

"Shortlisted or not, the work is great and reflects the enormous amount of hard work and dedication that has taken place over the last three years of study. There have been sweat and tears alongside friendship and community, and we can’t wait to see what is next for this fabulous bunch.

"The FASHION X AUB show this year is call ‘To Be Continued…’ to reflect the fact that as their time at AUB comes to an end, this is the start of amazing careers."

AUB students will attend GFW from Friday 13 – Monday 16 June at the Truman Brewery, London, with the University’s runway show taking place on Sunday 15 June.