Celebrating ten years of supporting young people into a fashion career, Fashion Awareness Direct hosted a gala event at Vauxhall Fashion Scout with a catwalk and fundraising auction. The evening began with a short video about the FAD competition featuring interviews with the students and the top industry experts who have been involved with the charity including the Director of Marks & Spencer, the CEO of Whistles, David Koma and Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Martyn Roberts.
A small selection of pieces from ten FAD competition entrants then hit the catwalk. The pieces ranged from long suit jackets for men to ruffled evening dresses, African-inspired garments and futuristic mini dresses, showcasing a huge range of abilities from the young designers. Twelve previous FAD finalists also sent their designs down the runway. The scheme’s alumni are now studying for masters at universities such as Kingston and Royal College of Art, setting up their own labels or working at top design houses like Vivienne Westwood.
FAD nurtures young talent to bridge the gap between academia and business. Working with 16 to 25 year olds, the FAD charity organises workshops, competitions and high profile catwalk events for fashion’s future stars. Vogue has called it “an undeniable springboard” for young talent.The charity auction raised £1, 147 with the top lot being a Katherine Hooker coat.
Outside Snog were serving frozen yoghurt amongst the sketchbooks and illustrations of other FAD designers. The skill and talent on display was incredibly impressive for such young people stepping on to the first rung of the fashion ladder.
By Olivia Pinnock
www.tellusfashion.com
Photography by Rowan Papier, www.rowanpapier.com