Shining a spotlight on the most exciting emerging designers, the Verve Fashion Graduate Catwalk Show was held at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel in Chester on December 15.
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Collections by seven graduate designers from the Fashion Design Bachelor of Arts Honours course - Lili Sipeki, Jade Williams, Georgia Clutton-Baxter, Susan Grundy, Courtney Jade Lovatt, Emily Hassall and Emma Atherton - wowed the guests.
The work of Leila Meftah, a Dubai-based designer, also graced the catwalk after she was invited to take part via Verve Fashion.
The collections included themes focused on positivity, inclusivity and empowerment.
The University joined forces with Verve Fashion to create the special catwalk fashion show as part of Verve, a brand-new fashion platform. Verve Fashion is launching in Chester and has been created to introduce young and emerging designers in the UK and internationally to the world of fashion shows, pop up stores and much more. Created with the vision of developing up-and-coming new designers, the platform aims to develop the designer from the ground-up, focusing on creative direction, assisting with PR and aiding business development.
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Graduate Courtney Jade Lovatt explained more about her work: “My collection ‘LOVE’ is all about making women feel empowered, strong, independent and to make sure they know their worth.”
She added: “I felt very emotional seeing my collection on the catwalk. I put so much hard work into each piece and to see it all come together on the runway brought a flood of happy emotions. I did it and I was very proud of what I accomplished. The day was full of direction and organisation but I loved every minute of it. Thank you again for making my dream of showcasing my final collection come true.”
Delphine Wilson, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion Design, said: “I’m extremely proud of all the designers, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to showcase their outstanding collections with the Verve Fashion Graduate Catwalk Show.
“We all know that recent years have had their challenges but these graduates have kept focused and excelled in their creativity and all they have accomplished.
“They are the most exciting talents of today and tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve next.”
