Ravensbourne makes its mark at London Fashion Week

David Millett

Publication date:

Ravensbourne’s spectacular showcase at London Fashion Week 2021 was a resounding success. Attendance at the exclusive event was packed, with guests queuing the length of Soho to catch a glimpse of our innovative mixed-media presentation.

The showcase took place on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 September at the W Hotel, located in a prime central location just off Leicester Square. Ravensbourne was the only university accepted to attend as an official exhibitor of London Fashion Week by the British Fashion Council. This incredible achievement is testament to the talent and success of our Class of 2021 BA (Hons) Fashion students. London Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious events on the global fashion calendar.

The students presented a mixed-reality showcase to their audience, blending the innovative use of digital technology with traditional fashion craftsmanship. An integral part of the presentation was a show-stopping film created in collaboration with camera robotics firm MO-SYS and animation studio Potion Pictures.

London Fashion Week 2021 - example of student work II

London Fashion Week 2021 - example of student work II

London Fashion Week 2021 - example of student work I

London Fashion Week 2021 - example of student work I

London Fashion Week 2021 - example of student work

London Fashion Week 2021 - example of student work

This film, presented in the hotel’s cinema, depicted real models who had been digitally transported into a range of virtual locations. The students’ work was displayed against fantastical backdrops set to different themes, with titles such as ‘dense forest’, ‘digital landscape’ and ‘neon surrealism’. Acclaimed makeup artist Andrew Gallimore led the styling for the film shoot.

This student-led initiative was made possible thanks to the wider creative community of our talented students. Shot on-site at Ravensbourne’s film studio, the project features the expertise of our BA (Hons) Music and Sound Design, BA (Hons) Digital Film Production and BA (Hons) Digital Television Production students. Additionally, the show was pulled together thanks to the work of CreativeLab, Ravensbourne’s in-house creative agency.

The show, attended by guests and members of the fashion press, also featured live models who showcased the designs in the physical world, as well as a drinks reception. On the day, hair was styled by Tina Farey at RUSH for L'Oréal Professionnel.

Models pose in front of wooden steps and large glass window

Behind the scenes at Ravensbourne X London Fashion Week

 

Photography by Joanne Davidson.

 

Models pose in front of wooden steps

Behind the scenes at Ravensbourne X London Fashion Week

 

Photography by Joanne Davidson. 

Model sits on wooden steps wearing pink, yellow and black outfit.

Behind the scenes at Ravensbourne X London Fashion Week

 

Photography by Joanne Davidson. 

Model sits on wooden steps wearing white robe

Behind the scenes at Ravensbourne X London Fashion Week

 

Photography by Joanne Davidson. 

 

Representatives from a huge range of prestigious press outlets signed up to attend. These included Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, BBC News, The Evening Standard, Womenswear Daily, The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Sunday Times Style, Tatler, The Face, Dazed, i-D, Wonderland, GQ, and Condenast Traveller.

The show was featured on BBC London news in its own segment, which explored the emergence of digital fashion. Ravensbourne is forging a path as a key innovator in this field. Students on Ravensbourne's Fashion course can now choose a Digital Technology for Fashion Pathway as part of their second-year studies. This pioneering pathway prepares students for the digital technology that’s set to completely transform the fashion industry.

Ravensbourne Fashion Director Lee Lapthorne said: “It is impressive that our students have been exposed to the opportunities that showcasing at an intentional event such as London Fashion Week brings. We have been able to showcase how our students pivot seamlessly between virtual worlds and the reality of craftsmanship. Our next generation designers will be the most versatile yet!”

Chloe Culpin, Commercial Projects Manager at CreativeLab, said: “It was great to produce a show that the fashion industry wanted to support plus all the amazing people who helped make the show possible. It just shows the high calibre of work and designers that Ravensbourne produces.

“Based on feedback from guests, I think this the start of many more fashion weeks to come for Ravensbourne!

Model and artist pose in front of white wall

Behind the scenes at Ravensbourne X London Fashion Week

Student creator Ivan Svanverg with one of his creations.

Photography by Joanne Davidson. 

 

Model wearing purple outfit

Behind the scenes at Ravensbourne X London Fashion Week

Photography by Joanne Davidson.

 

The full list of students whose work was showcased:

THEME 1: DENSE FOREST

Amelia Walker (Womenswear)

Lucy McColgan (Menswear)

Olivia Slate (Accessories)

Laura Brown (Womenswear)

Emma Whitehurst (Menswear)

 

THEME 2: DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

Ella Breakwell (Womenswear)

Zamara Oborska-Calado (Womenswear)

Jennifer Duong (Womenswear)

Shivani Padhiar (Accessories)

 

THEME 3: HIGH TECH

Sabrina Wei (Womenswear)

Ivan Svanberg (Menswear)

Eva Pohlodkova (Womenswear)

Abimbola Ajiboye (Womenswear)

Jasmine Doolin (Womenswear)

 

THEME 4: SURREAL LANDSCAPE

Ruth Perry (Menswear)

Catalina Grosu (Womenswear)

Charlie Dolan (Menswear)

Alena Karimova (Womenswear)

Lorena Pipenco (Womenswear)

 

THEME 5: NEON SURREALISM

Rozanne Da Costa (Womenswear)

Maria Dikaros (Womenswear)

Fraser Burnside (Menswear)

Lily Zou (Menswear)

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