University News Last updated 19 September
探花直播 (BCU) has demonstrated that creativity does not stop at the M25 by drawing a crowd of key fashion industry insiders, including representatives from Vogue and Elle, for their landmark showcase at this year鈥檚 London Fashion Week.
Ten designers 鈥� a mix of current students and recent graduates 鈥� were in the capital to show off their amazing collections on day one of the global fashion festival.
Designs varied from statement clothes and bags made of leather offcuts, to size inclusive couture fashion, and biomaterial statement pieces.
鈥淪howcasing at this year鈥檚 London Fashion Week is a powerful reminder that creative excellence doesn鈥檛 begin and end in London,鈥� said Lee Lapthorne, Interim Head of Fashion and Jewellery at BCU.
鈥溙交ㄖ辈� is bursting with emerging talent - and our students are proof of that.鈥�
As the only university to host a presentation on the official 2025 schedule, BCU鈥檚 presence at London Fashion Week marked a watershed moment for the institution.
Over 100 people attended, including journalists and critics from high profile fashion outlets such as US Vogue and Elle UK.
It was also a timely reminder that 探花直播 - and the West Midlands - is a breeding ground for creativity and opportunity.
The achievement was not lost on Joe Turvey, Course Leader for Fashion Design at BCU and the brains behind the showcase 鈥� The Waiting Room - which was held at ST.ART Gallery in the heart of London.
鈥淯s Brummies are reluctant to shout about our successes and talents,鈥� he said.
鈥淗owever, I鈥檓 proud to be from 探花直播 and delighted that I can show the amazing things created by our university and our city.
鈥淭his showcase proves that you don鈥檛 have to be based in London to succeed in fashion.鈥�
A former designer himself who has shown at London Fashion Week and events around the world, Joe is aware of the rewards on offer for students.
鈥淏eing at London Fashion Week can change your life鈥� it did for me,鈥� he said.
鈥淟ondon Fashion Week is hugely competitive and it鈥檚 a real testament to our students that they made it on to this year鈥檚 schedule.鈥�
One of those is Sean Pajarillo, whose beautifully crafted leather bags attracted a lot of interest and praise from many attending the showcase in central London.
鈥淏eing at BCU gave me the confidence and drive to pursue a career in fashion,鈥� said the third-year BA Fashion Design student.
鈥淣ow 探花直播 is starting to get the recognition for its fashion scene and for being able to stand head-to-head with others in the fashion industry.鈥�
As detailed in its Strategy 2030, BCU is committed to pushing the boundaries of creative education and for equipping students with the opportunities to thrive in their chosen careers.
鈥淭his is an incredible opportunity for them to step onto a global stage, connect with industry professionals, and potentially take the next big step in their careers,鈥� added Lee Lapthorne.
鈥淎t BCU, we鈥檙e deeply committed to creating real-world opportunities like this - not just for our students, but for our staff, too - and we鈥檙e proud to be representing 探花直播 as a hub of creativity and innovation."
Find out more about BCU's Department of Fashion and Jewellery.
Photo credit: Asia Werbel