Published: 20 October 2023
Shaping the future of fashion
The University of Sunderland Fashion Design & Promotion Graduates Fashion Show, NEXTGEN.23, made its mark in London on Monday, 12 June taking the fashion world by storm. Breaking away from its traditional Sunderland location, the event was strategically held in the heart of the fashion capital to leverage London's vibrant industry scene and open doors for the university's talented students. NEXTGEN.23 showcased the final major projects of third-year students from the University of Sunderland's transnational campuses in Sunderland, Singapore, and Tashkent. Over 30 promising artists presented their awe-inspiring creations, setting the stage for the next generation of fashion designers and industry influencers.
This momentous occasion celebrated not only the accomplishments of these talented students but also served as a direct introduction to esteemed fashion houses and recruitment agencies. By connecting students with influential industry professionals, the event provided a unique networking opportunity, setting the stage for future collaborations and career prospects.
The decision to host the fashion show in London was purposeful. London stands tall as a national fashion hub and one of the world's fashion capitals, making it an ideal backdrop to showcase the University of Sunderland's creative talent. The move further solidified the university's commitment to providing its students with exposure to the global fashion industry and expanding their horizons beyond traditional boundaries.
The venue for NEXTGEN.23 was carefully chosen to add an extra layer of uniqueness to the event. 26 Leake Street, nestled within the Leake Street Tunnels near Waterloo Bridge, provided an industrial-chic atmosphere, perfectly complementing the avant-garde designs on display. The unconventional setting added an element of intrigue and excitement, making the event truly unforgettable.
NEXTGEN.23 was a true amalgamation of diverse design perspectives from the transnational campuses. Students from our Sunderland, Singapore, and Tashkent campuses were converged to present their unique artistic visions, resulting in a vibrant and awe-inspiring showcase. The fusion of ideas, perspectives, and design concepts demonstrated the immense potential for creativity and innovation among these graduates. The program featured two dazzling fashion shows that unveiled the exceptional collections. Models gracefully strutted down the runway, showcasing the students' meticulously crafted garments, leaving the audience captivated and yearning for more. The energy and passion exhibited on the runway were profound, reflecting the hard work and dedication put in by the students.
In addition to the fashion shows, NEXTGEN.23 offered an immersive Virtual Reality Fashion Experience, which pushed the boundaries of innovation in fashion presentation. This cutting-edge technology allowed attendees to embark on a journey into the students' creative worlds, experiencing their designs in a truly immersive and captivating manner.
The Branding Exhibition, another highlight of the event, showcased the outstanding projects of second-year students. This exhibition provided a platform for the younger cohort to shine, displaying their innovative branding concepts and their potential as future leaders in the fashion industry.
Silvia Dolinta, our student from the University of Sunderland in London, showcased her exceptional talents as a model in the highly anticipated fashion show, which featured an array of exquisite student fashion projects. Silvia, pursuing her BA (Hons) in Business Management Entrepreneurship, captivated the audience with her grace and poise on the runway.
Reflecting on her experience, Silvia expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative atmosphere created by NEXTGEN.23. She emphasised the event's ability to foster connections and exchange experiences among students from different campuses. Silvia highlighted the value of teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability when working with diverse talents. She also said
“The NEXTGEN fashion show Exhibition, organised by the University of Sunderland served as a meeting point for students from different campuses, providing a valuable opportunity to forge connections and build networks. The experience taught me the value of teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to different working styles. The fusion of ideas, perspectives, and design concepts during the fashion show demonstrated the immense potential for creativity and innovation of the graduated students. Hopefully, there will be other occasions to work together on other projects, where we can leverage each other's strengths, learn from one another's experiences, and collectively contribute to the growth and success of our university”.
The University of Sunderland’s Fashion Design & Promotion Graduates Fashion Show, NEXTGEN.23, held in London, was a resounding success. The event provided a platform for the university's students to showcase their creative prowess, establish vital industry connections, and set the stage for their future success. This landmark occasion solidified the University of Sunderland's presence in the fashion industry and highlighted its commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion designers and industry influencers. NEXTGEN.23 truly marked a pivotal moment in the university's fashion legacy.
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