- Graduate Fashion Week partners with Tu at Sainsbury’s for the second year running
London, 2017-May-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Graduate Fashion Week is proud to announce its partnership with Tu at Sainsbury’s for the second year running. Following the success of last year, the 2017 partnership will see both a womenswear and menswear graduate receive a scholarship within the Tu design team. What’s more, the lucky graduates will embark on a year-long mentorship with acclaimed British designers Henry Holland and Oliver Spencer as they create a Graduate Fashion Week collection for Tu’s SS18 range.
Building on Sainsbury’s commitment to support new emerging talent, the winning graduates will both complete a paid 12 month placement with Tu’s design department, culminating in the launch of their own collection in-store. The winners will be coached by the in-house teams and gain insight into the fashion industry from buying though to design. This follows the success of 2016’s winner, Genevieve Devine, who repurposed her winning final year collection for Tu at Sainsbury’s with mentoring British designer, Holly Fulton.
The winning womenswear and menswear graduates this year will have access to Henry Holland and Oliver Spencer, their renowned personal industry mentors, whose involvement in the programme will include monthly meetings with the graduates and creative sessions to review the winner’s collection for Tu. In addition to this, Holland will also invite the womenswear winner to experience a day in his design studio, as will Spencer with the menswear winner.
“I am delighted to be working with GFW and TU @ Sainsburys. This gives a great opportunity for graduates to get first-hand knowledge of working within the industry, from the factory floor to the shop floor. In an age where sustainability and quality are such a driving force it is important that we show the way for the next generation so they can tread a sustainable pathway within our industry.” Oliver Spencer
“I am thrilled to have been asked to be a part of the Sainsbury’s Graduate Fashion Week mentorship scheme. So much of my learning over the years has been learning from my mistakes so if I can help someone else not follow in my footsteps and guide them through the challenges in any way then I am so happy to be able to do so. I received nothing but help and support from so many people I encountered on my journey and I’m happy to be able to do the same for someone else. I’m excited to get started!” Henry Holland
“2017 is a truly exciting year for Graduate Fashion Week. Based on the triumph of last year’s Scholarship Award winner being mentored by Holly Fulton, Tu have expanded the 2017 Award to two winners working with catwalk designers
Henry Holland and Oliver Spencer, giving more graduates the amazing and unique opportunity to win a paid placement year and their own collection.” Martyn Roberts, Creative& Managing Director of Graduate Fashion Week.
“It’s wonderful to be part of Graduate Fashion Week for another year as we deepen our commitment to supporting new design talent. Good luck to all graduates participating, we look forward to meeting you, viewing your collections and guiding you through your first foray in the fashion industry.” James Brown, Director of Commercial for Sainsbury’s.
As part of the continued partnership, Tu at Sainsbury’s will be present during Graduate Fashion Week hosting a Tu hub within the sponsorship floor. This interactive space will be set-up for graduates to visit with their portfolios to obtain advice and apply for recruitment opportunities directly from the Tu at Sainsbury’s team, as well as exciting masterclasses for all attendees.
Tu at Sainsbury’s will also be hosting engaging talks within the GFW Talk Live! studio with key industry and team members. They include ‘Gok Wan The Inside Story’ and ‘Gok Wan Panel Talk – The Truth on the Fashion Industry’.
GFW is the world’s largest event for BA Fashion talent and will be taking place on the 4th-7th June 2017 at The Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, London.
Contact:
press_office@sainsburys.co.uk
020 7695 7295
Source: Sainsbury
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