Crowds flock to Lancashire catwalk show

16 June 2016

The great and good of the fashion industry joined the region’s business leaders and dignitaries in Preston for the prestigious annual University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Fashion Show

The great and good of the fashion industry joined the region’s business leaders and dignitaries in Preston last night for the prestigious annual University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Fashion Show.

The event showcased 20 student collections fresh from the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week in London which celebrates the up and coming stars of the fashion industry. This year, fashion design students Caroline Robinson, Carrie Colaluca and Karen Lee were nominated for the Graduate Fashion Week final Gala Show and Holly Ashworth, Jennifer Elliot and Aimi Shore were shortlisted for the Lipsy best outfit competition.

Caroline Robinson’s menswear collection has also been selected for a photo shoot for the prestigious and globally influential ‘POP’ magazine and items from Charlotte Markham’s collection will be worn by up and coming artist ‘Earl’ for the fourth coming BBC Maida Vale music sessions.

Speaking about Graduate Fashion Week Gala Show, nominee Carrie Colaluca said: “Graduate Fashion Week was so exciting. It was manic as it involved lots of preparation to get the models ready for the catwalk. I didn't get to take it all in until I saw the video of the show. I was so pleased with the way it all came together and I couldn't believe people's reactions and compliments.”

"The UCLan fashion show represents a high profile snapshot of the University’s talent and strength within the fashion arena and embodies all the hallmarks of professionalism you would expect from one of our flagship courses."

Opening the show at 53 Degrees in the city centre campus, UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas said: “The University has been producing graduates for all sections of the fashion industry for nearly 50 years and is recognised as one of the top institutions for fashion in the UK.

“The UCLan fashion show represents a high profile snapshot of the University’s talent and strength within the fashion arena and embodies all the hallmarks of professionalism you would expect from one of our flagship courses.”

Fashion design course leader Chris Molloy said: “Our fashion courses have a worldwide reputation because they offer a world-class educational experience that is closely linked to industry needs. The secret of our success lies in our ability to provide students with meaningful work placement opportunities with brands such as Iris Van Herpen, Holly Fulton, Karen Millen, Alexander McQueen, Top Shop, Matalan and River Island, amongst others, where our students put theory into practice within a commercial setting.”

The University has a history of achievement at the annual event and is one of the most successful UK universities in Graduate Fashion Week’s 25 year history, which each year showcases the work of more than 1,000 of the top students and graduates from universities around the world.
View images from the UCLan Fashion Show on Flickr.

Upcoming stars of the fashion industry show off their work at the University of Central Lancashire
Upcoming stars of the fashion industry show off their work at the University of Central Lancashire