Encouraging New Designers

Thursday 19th of February 2009 07:28:19 PM

Encouraging New Designers

When shopping online for new sweatshirts people don't usually stop to consider what it took to get the garment from idea to final sale. This is true for all clothing and textiles. Naturally one of the most important steps in the entire process is the design stage. Universities and institutes around the world encourage new designers by offering programs and awards which encourage new talent.

In the UK, Graduate Fashion Week is held each year and has been the impetus for many new fashion designer talents. The show features universities around the world with fashion and textile programs and includes a variety of shows and exhibits dedicated to fashion. Awards are given including the prestigious River Island Gold Award. It is presented at the end of Graduate Fashion Week during the Gala Fashion Shows and Awards event. The prize money is generous at £20,000 awarded to the winning fashion collection. The money is even more generous when you consider it is the only award of its kind that is given to designers still pursuing their education. But recognition at this show often leads to a job upon graduation with world renowned brands.

Some of the most famous graduates of the UK fashion eduction programs that went on to develop prosperous careers include Stella McCartney and Antonio Beradi. The fashion brands which have hired many graduates include Donna Karan, Gucci, Reebok and Levi Strauss.

Exhibitors and participants of Graduate Fashion Week include representatives from all interests. The show concentrates on design and illustration of new fashion collections, developing public relation, merchandising and marketing.

Encouraging new designers is important and the UK has often led the way as the country promotes its fashion industry. This year's show will be held in June at Earls Court. So the next time you are picking out one of the new sweaters offered for sale, think about what it took to get them into your closet. It took a whole lot of talent.