UCA designer 'One to watch' at GFW
A fashion student from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has been hotly tipped for success at this year's Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) by influential style commentator Hilary Alexander.
Suzanne Graham, who studies BA (Hons) Fashion Design at UCA Rochester, has been named 'One to Watch' in a feature by the respected fashion journalist for British Airways' in-flight magazine High Life which is seen by more than 3million people every month.
She will show her graduate collection alongside fellow course-mates at GFW which takes place at London's Earls Court from 10-13 June 2012.
Suzanne, who is 21 and grew up in Beijing, said: "I feel very privileged to be picked as "one to watch" by Hilary Alexander - I've long read her articles where she has critiqued legendary fashion designers but I would never have dared to imagine that she might write about me one day.
"Hilary's seal of approval has given me a tremendous boost in confidence, which has really helped my final collection become what it is, but now I am really excited about GFW and seeing my designs go down the runway."
Suzanne's work is inspired by the 'Beggar Prince' of China, a real-life modern tale of a homeless man who became an internet sensation for his good looks and unique bohemian style, which often features women's clothing.
She has crafted a genderless collection which uses a mix of fabrics and styles, while the length of clothing is often unconventional.
Hilary Alexander said: "The first thing that attracted me to Suzanne's work was the story of the Beggar Prince - I was intrigued by the tale and, as I looked through her sketches, I appreciated how cleverly she has translated what might be called 'homeless chic' into a well-thought out casual-wear collection, in terms of shape, silhouette, fabric and colour.
"I am looking forward to seeing it on the catwalk and how the ideas and sketches make their final "trip" into a finished three-dimensional collection."
Suzanne will show her collection during the UCA Rochester show at GFW on 11 June at 8pm.
UCA Epsom's show takes place at 2.30pm on 12 June.
Last year, UCA Rochester's Lyudmila Lane and Jungo Kuroiwa, of UCA Epsom, got through to the Gala Show which decides who will win the Gold Award worth £20,000.
UCA is no stranger to success at GFW - Rochester's Myrto Stamou won the overall Gold Award in 2009.
For more information contact:
David Reilly, Press Officer, UCA
T: 01252 892939
E: dreilly@ucreative.ac.uk
