VFS launches Graduate Showcase

Illustration by Andy Bumpus

Cementing their position as the go-to for emerging talent, Vauxhall Fashion Scout are proud to announce the launch of their Graduate Showcase. Featuring a hand-picked selection of some of the most exciting new talent (drawn from recently graduated students at CSM, LCF, RCA, Westminster De Montfort and Kingston Universities), twelve students presented three outfits, styled by Fashion156 founder Guy Hipwell. A continuation of the acclaimed VFS mentoring programme, the showcase allowed students to meet press, buyers, industry professionals and bloggers face-to-face. "Some of these designers are having to speak to press and buyers", commented Martyn Roberts, Vauxhall Fashion Scout founder. "As a designer you're usually behind the scenes, so this is such a great opportunity for the designers to build awareness about themselves".

The Graduate Showcase is fully supported by the BFC, and David Watts (Fashion Business Adviser and a Mentor at the British Fashion Council) was in attendance as the show opened, and was full of glowing praise for both students and exhibition. "What you're doing here is incredible", he said. "I'm just blown away". Guy Hipwell was similarly enamoured by the quality of the designers and the strength of their collections. "The Showcase was a last minute addition to the schedule, but all the designers were so easy to work with. I wanted to show the diversity of the graduates, so the pieces veer from really bright colour to much more abstract, conceptual pieces. This is just such an amazing platform for all the designers involved".

Stay tuned for individual designer profiles and interviews on the VFS blog!


Text: Victoria Loomes