Student fashion show hosted by American InterContinental University London

This month, London was the base for the exclusive 2012 Student Fashion Show hosted by American InterContinental University (AIU). 

The event, which ran on Thursday 6^th December at Marylebone Gardens, exhibited innovative designs that were based on the theme of upcycle – reduce, reuse and recycle. AIU has specialised in fashion for over 30 years, and offers exciting degrees in fashion design, retailing, and marketing, whilst ensuring an industry-focused, London fashion education. 

The successful evening was full of glamour, as key industry organisations such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, the Textile Institute, Bloomsbury Publishing, Fashion Monitor and many more, all attended. The night included live music, drinks and a canapé reception, and guests were treated to a luxurious exclusive goody bag, which included items from the event sponsors, such as L’Oreal, Shu Uemura, and PopChips. Proceeds for the event went to FSSA Zambia: funding for secondary school assistance in Zambia. 

The design students worked closely to the upcycling brief, where they were asked to use “‘waste” materials or “useless” products and transform them into garments of “better quality or with greater environmental value”. The showcased designs were made out of recycled materials, with one garment in particular using leather from a sofa as sleeves for a menswear product. 

The night featured exciting and contemporary designs by students from all over the world. Accompanied by music, the runway exhibited designs from year one, two and three students, who worked creatively in producing both womenswear and menswear that is contemporary, individual, intelligent and an embodiment of a personal philosophy about fashion design. 

This personal philosophy was also shared by the students on the Fashion Branding course as part of their BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing degree. These students have been questioning the ethics of fashion, and have been working on an environmentally friendly live project with fashion company Aethic, which sells a sunscreen that is focused on ingredients that do not damage the delicate marine life – such as living coral. 

Gill Stark, the dean of fashion at AIU commented on the success of the night: “I am delighted to see the results of this term’s work on the theme of sustainability. The students have taken on the challenges of sustainable fashion with an impressive mixture of responsibility and creativity – and sometimes with a sense of humour! Our work is also enriched through our work with FSSA Zambia. Money raised so far by our students for this wonderful charity has been used to educate 50 young people in Zambia.” 

Some bright and lucky students received a prize from Aethic, in addition to a cash prize from Vilene Freudenberg, and an internship with fashion company Lipsy. AIU London fashion students have gone on to reach achievements that have included winning Sky 1’s Project Runway, and successfully carving careers at notable establishments such as Matthew Williamson London, and Burberry London. 

Katie Dzierozynski
Photos: Martin Evans

For more information about AIU London or the fashion show, please click here.