BA (Hons) Fashion graduates from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) earned selections, awards, commendations and places in finals following a successful run at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) 2026.

Maeve Dean was named Highly Commended at the AUB x Fashion Graduate Fashion Week Catwalk Show 2026. They were shortlisted for a total of three GFW awards for their project, The Seeds of Time – namely, the Knit Portfolio Award, the Tailoring Award, and the Hilary Alexander Sustainable Trailblazer Collection Award.

“The Seeds of Time was sparked by the current economic climate of the UK and Ireland as well as the effects of the industrial revolution on agricultural industries and communities,” Maeve explains.

“The rapid industrialisation of farming resulted in an unprecedented loss of jobs and, in turn, skills. I aimed to refocus the public's attention towards heritage skills and craft and celebrate, considered, slow production.

“Seeing my work leave such an impression on people is very rewarding. I can only hope it inspires others to pursue similar research.”

Maeve was also awarded the Dean's Prize for the School of Fashion and Creative Industries Management at the 2026 AUB Graduation ceremony.

Nominated for the Tailoring Award alongside them was Mayo Kanamori, who went on to take home the Silver Award at the GFW Gala Show. Mayo’s collection has since been featured in Hello Fashion magazine.

In addition to the AUB Catwalk, students were selected for a number of additional catwalk opportunities. Four BA (Hons) Fashion graduates were chosen to take part in the GFW x Liberty Fabrics Catwalk 2026. Finalists Poppy Jones, Chloé Adams, Ellie Briggs and Halley Richardson were shortlisted to bring designs to life and were provided with iconic fabric supplied by Liberty London.

The looks were showcased as part an innovative catwalk show ‘Floral Rebellion’ during graduate fashion week 2026. The Floral Rebellion Collection celebrates 150 years of Liberty London and the students were honoured to partner with a brand of this legacy and stature.

Other catwalk finalists include Nirvaan Mehra, who was selected for the GFW 26 Menswear catwalk, and Ellie Briggs and Ellie Humphrey for the F&F Catwalk to Store catwalk.

A model walks down the runway at Graduate Fashion Week wearing a beige knitted sweater, dark overalls, and brown ankle boots, holding a stick. They are accessorised with a wide-brimmed hat and the background features large screens displaying text or images.

A model walks down the runway wearing a sleeveless, knitted beige top with a high collar and loose threads. She pairs it with green cargo trousers, featuring buttons and patchwork details, while the audience is visible in the background.

A model in a blue and white floral outfit with neon green stripes walks on a runway, with a red illuminated backdrop and another model in patterned clothing behind her.

A model in a pale blue patterned asymmetrical dress walks a runway against a bright red backdrop with large white lettering.

A model wears a floral and lace dress with wide sleeves on a runway, with a turquoise backdrop behind her.

Five models walk a runway in assorted pastel and neutral outfits at a fashion show, with 'Ellie Briggs' and 'Arts University Bournemouth' displayed on the screen behind them.

A woman with curly hair wears a pink patterned dress on a runway with a plain white backdrop.

Four male models stand on a fashion runway wearing layered grey outfits, with Ellie Humphrey Arts University Bournemouth displayed on the backdrop and audience seated on both sides.

A male model wearing a layered grey outfit walks down a fashion runway, with another model in a checked jacket in the background.

A model walks the runway wearing a colourful patterned top, loose brown trousers and a sheer blue drape, with a dark backdrop behind them.

Poppy Jones also received Highly Commended for the Childrenswear Award, supported by Boden, for a childrenswear range developed from her existing menswear collection, Floral Masculinity.

“Floral Masculinity explores the relationship between masculinity, femininity and personal heritage through the reinterpretation of workwear,” Poppy explains. “Inspired by my grandad who worked as a fireman, the project developed from an image of him in his fireman’s uniform, covered in blue floral bedsheets.”

With the childrenswear range, Poppy focuses on child safety and visibility in outdoor settings. She integrates reflective fabrics, high-visibility detailing and bold contrasting colours into the designs to ensure not only eye-catching and practical garments, but also that the children are seen.

“Receiving Highly Commended for the Childrenswear Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2026 was incredibly rewarding,” Poppy adds. “It felt like recognition that the collection’s message about child safety and visibility had connected with people.

“It was a great feeling to present my project that I had worked so hard on to industry professionals. It was a proud moment that gave me confidence in my design approach and has encouraged me to continue designing and creating.

“I’m excited to keep developing the ideas behind my childrenswear collection and bring those designs to life through garment construction. It’s a chance to explore how functionality and safety can come together in a way that’s both practical and engaging for children. Alongside that, I’d also like to continue exploring menswear, building on the concepts from my graduate collection and seeing how I can push my design approach even further. I’m looking forward to experimenting with new ideas, developing my skills and seeing where the next stage of my fashion journey takes me.”

A model wearing a blue floral jumpsuit with green stripes walks down a runway during a fashion show. The audience on either side includes various individuals seated and watching the presentation.

Five children are standing in a brightly lit studio against a soft pink background. They are wearing various brightly coloured outfits, including jackets and overalls, with patterns and reflective details. Two of the children are posing in separate images on the right.

Five male models showcase a fashion collection on a runway at Graduate Fashion Week 2026. The outfits feature bright pastel patterns and safety-inspired designs, incorporating reflective yellow bands on varying garments.

A collage showing six children’s faces superimposed on illustrations of colourful jumpsuits and outfits. The background features bright patterns in pink and yellow, and the text at the bottom reads "FINAL LINEUP".

A model walks down the runway, showcasing a black blazer layered over a multi-coloured skirt featuring grey, blue, and striped patterns. The model wears glasses and green socks, with a large promotional backdrop featuring text in the background.

A model walks the catwalk in a patterned jacket and blue skirt, with an audience seated along both sides in an industrial fashion show venue.

A model wearing a fringed top and patterned skirt walks down a runway at a fashion show, with seated spectators and bright studio lights in the background.

Five models showcase vibrant fashion designs on a runway. The first model wears a pink top and yellow skirt, followed by a model in orange with feather details. The third model features a striped suit, while the last two models exhibit colourful outfits with ruffles and bold patterns.

Other AUB talent has been recognised by the media, including Halley Richardson, who was listed in an article in 10 Magazine; Chloé Adams, whose outfit featured in Vogue Italia; and Kalia Tu and Jeffi Rebello, who both appear in an article in Noctis Magazine.

In addition, Lauren Mallinson was selected for the GFW 2026 ASOS Portfolio Day.

“With 13 Fashion students shortlisted for awards and opportunities at GFW 2026, this is a real testament to the breadth, skill and agility of the work being produced by students at AUB,” says Elena Crehan, Course Leader on BA (Hons) Fashion at AUB.

“From illustration to tailoring, textiles to sustainable thinking, the range and quality of practice on show was exceptional. Every student presented and articulated their work to industry panels with confidence and professionalism. This interview practice is worth its weight in gold, and the students gained so much from the conversations they had with industry professionals.

“The bar is incredibly high, and we are immensely proud of the entire graduating cohort – we’ll be watching their next steps with great interest.”

Graduate Fashion Week 2026 took place at the Truman Brewery, London from 15–18 June 2026.