Kent College Hosts Young Fashion Designer Competition UK South Finals
A selection of the South’s most talented young fashion designers arrived at Kent College Pembury on Saturday for the annual Regional Final of the Young Fashion Designer UK Competition. A total of eighteen finalists from schools within the catchment area between Oxfordshire to Cornwall travelled to be with us on the day. The finalists showcased a wide range of design and make skills including laser cut fabrics, sublimation prints and complex structural garments made for a dynamic and exciting exhibition.
The event not only gave the chance for students to display their work but also to provide an insightful and varied day of fashion related activities whilst the team of judges from a number of different professions within fashion and retail had the tough job of deciding which students should receive the top prizes.
The students took part in a fashion up-cycling workshop and a blogging workshop run by top journalist Nixalina. They also had the privilege of talking to title sponsor FashionSeeker owner Paula Fry. Paula told the students about her work experience in different aspects of the fashion industry and gave an insight into the foundations behind Fashionseeker. Judges included textiles teacher Abbey Rance who commented “I know from my experience that having your work judged can seem daunting but it’s a great way to challenge yourself and improve your confidence and skills.” Stylist Lynne Meek was amazed at the range of skill on display and is thrilled to have been part of the event. Director of Mustard Ties Chris Waldron said what a great occasion it was and how nice it is to be able to work with emerging designers. Our line-up of judges was completed by YFD Founder Karen Wintle, Anna Poulsen of Minimaya, designer Jara Wine, Past and Precious boutique shop owner Julie Hurst, interior designer Justine Hodgson-Baker of BarkerBourne and assistant director of Oxford Fashion Week Samantha Ball.
The V&A museum, C&H Fabrics, Katie Mullally, Temper Temper, Wadsworth and Wells, Royal Victoria Place, Scarlett Fashion, Alexandra Moore, Love is Boutique, Yull Shoes, Kate Hasted, Minimaya, Story by Kranz and Ziegler, Champneys, Love My Apparel and Fashionseeker have all supported YFDUK this year by providing generous donations for our prize winners.
With such stiff competition the finalists did extremely well and should be proud of how they presented themselves to the professionals. The judges found that only one or two marks separated the students making final judging a close call! Not only was this the first year that male students have progressed to the final stages but the two males who did were chosen to be the A2 and AS first prize winners.
Teachers who accompanied their students said how they were glad that such event is available to showcase the hard work that goes into such pieces and these talented individuals gain the credit they deserve.
At Kent College we are incredibly proud to be a part of YFDUK and see the event as a much-needed platform from which to celebrate the achievements of students that have a flair for fashion. We are so grateful to all of the judges, businesses and finalists who have made YFDUK 2014 South Region event such a tremendous occasion.
Each year the competition is growing and who knows where these students will be in years to come?
Look out for the event in 2015!