This year marked an unprecedented triumph for our CSVPA students at Graduate Fashion Week, with students nominated and winning more accolades than ever before.
We had 14 students nominated across 19 awards, selected from an estimated 3000 students and a pool of 68 institutions involved, including Anglia Ruskin University, Norwich University of the Arts, Arts University Bournemouth, Winchester School of Art and Leeds Arts University.
Graduate Fashion Week is known for its highly competitive awards, with only 12 students shortlisted in each category—a significant recognition in itself. This year, CSVPA BA Fashion and BA Fashion Branding & Communications students not only secured finalist positions but excelled beyond, bringing home an outstanding five awards. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the exceptional creativity, diversity, and innovation demonstrated in their work.
Marta Miazek (BA Fashion Branding & Creative Communication) won The Female Gaze in Women’s Sports competition supported by Mastercard X IDA Sports.
Emma Tsilele M’Timkulu (BA Fashion) won The Fashion Illustration Award.
Ying Zhong (BA Fashion) won The Next Trend Forecasting Award.
Harleen Kaur (BA Fashion) won the Collective Show and was selected for the Gala.
Alicia Rose Bambury (BA Fashion) won the Menswear Award.
Winning the Collective Show is a landmark achievement for Harleen Kaur, placing her at the forefront of emerging talent in fashion. Her collection was chosen by industry judges for its outstanding aesthetic, technical precision, commitment to sustainability, and exquisite craftsmanship—surpassing entries from students at institutions including Anglia Ruskin University, Coventry University, the University of Derby, Leeds Arts University, Staffordshire University, and Solent University. Harleen’s visionary designs and intricate detailing captivated the audience, culminating in a powerful runway presentation that earned resounding applause. Her work not only stood out on the catwalk but also signalled a bold new voice in the future of fashion.
Alicia Rose Bambury’s final collection earned a prestigious place in the Best of Menswear Catwalk Show at Graduate Fashion Week—an extraordinary recognition of her creative talent. Drawing deeply from personal inspiration, her collection paid tribute to her grandfather through powerful storytelling and design. Alicia’s work resonated strongly with the judges, ultimately earning her the title of overall winner of the Best of Menswear award. Her collection returned to the spotlight at the GFW Gala, where she was formally presented with the coveted trophy—an incredible achievement and a heartfelt homage to the man who inspired it all.
The GFW Gala represents the pinnacle of Graduate Fashion Week, spotlighting the most outstanding work from across the event. Being selected to showcase a collection at the Gala is the highest honour a student can achieve at GFW. As an invitation-only event attended by leading industry professionals, it offers invaluable opportunities for students to network, gain expert feedback, and elevate their visibility within the fashion world—marking a powerful launchpad for their future careers.
CSVPA BA Fashion student Andrea Kapetaniou received a remarkable honour during the GFW Gala, as the evening’s presenters, award-winning journalist, writer and editor Isabella Silver and Zezi Ifore contributing editor to British Vogue and DJ for the evening, chose to wear pieces from her final collection on stage. Having her work showcased in this high-profile setting not only highlighted the strength of her design talent but also provided an exceptional platform to promote her collection to a wider, influential audience.
The feedback to our students’ work was exceptional, with comments on the high level achieved across the board, the craftsmanship, the professionalism and finesse. It was widely commented that we are the new leaders in fashion education based on this year’s cohort.
“Our students have had a fantastic year at Graduate Fashion Week” said Holly Fulton, Head of Fashion at CSVPA. “We have watched our students grow in confidence and professionalism during the week as they progress through the interview process, broaden their networks and engage with their peers, providing vital preparation for the transition into industry.”
“The Collective Catwalk gave a fantastic display of their final collections and to see both Harleen Kaur & Alicia Rose Bambury selected as winners was a huge achievement, giving them a huge boost in confidence to start their next creative chapter.”
“Our students’ success reflects the time, dedication and enthusiasm they put into their work alongside the commitment, support and guidance provided to them by the lecturers and technicians at CSVPA. This is a fantastic start to the students’ journeys into industry and we wish them every success for their next steps.”
Carolyn Timson, Senior Lecturer for BA Fashion Branding & Creative Communication said of her students: “I couldn’t be prouder of the Fashion Branding and Creative Communication graduating students who showcased thoughtful, original and diverse work at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week. Every one of them was nominated for an award across many creative categories including illustration, filmmaking, fashion communication, publications, marketing, new business innovation, and culture and heritage.”
GFW continues to be such a vital platform for emerging talent, and our students made the most of every opportunity to share their vision, connect with industry, and celebrate their achievements together.
Our GFW Film and Gallery will be released soon. Keep your eye on our Instagram for the release.
Find more information of studying a BA in Fashion or Fashion Branding & Creative Communication at CSVPA.
