Models of all ages at Arts University Bournemouth's show at London Graduate week 2014

This week has been Graduate Fashion Week in London, the chance for recently graduating fashion graduates to show their designs. I was invited to the Arts University Bournemouth show. Not only was the range of design talent impressive, but the graduates had used a variety of models, aged from 7 to the 70s, showing that fashion is for all - and this set me thinking.

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The more older men and women I see wearing a wide range of clothing, the more I realise that there are few styles that can't be worn at any age - it's how you wear a look rather than what you wear. Confidence and a strong sense of style are needed - but self-confidence grows with age, so use it.

In the image above are the incomparable Jean Woods, of Fabulous Fashionistas fame, who was walking the catwalk for the first time at Graduate Fashion Week (and did so with great style and confidence) and David Gant, the experienced model and actor. 

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David Gant wears a suit designed by Lizzie Atkins from Arts University Bournemouth. Lizzie recently won a Bladen Tailoring prize - see my post here.

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Jean Woods wearing the designs of Neha Bhushan, another Arts University Bournemouth graduate.

Well done to all at Arts University Bournemouth for a superb show - and for showing that fashion is ageless.

Fashion student Lizzie Atkins shows her National Tailoring and Design Award work

One of the greatest pleasures of writing a blog is being able to take an interest in emerging menswear design and retail talent. Regular readers will have seen my posts on new and young fashion entrepreneurs, but I haven't yet looked at the work of fashion students.  

Lizzie's design for a coat inspired by a military dispatch rider's jacket

I was intrigued when I heard about fashion student, Lizzie Atkins, who won the Bladen prize in the National Tailoring and Design Awards. 

Hundreds of students and recent graduates from across the country entered the competition; twenty were chosen as finalists and a final six won prizes from fashion companies in the UK. Lizzie, a student studying Fashion Design at the Arts University Bournemouth, won the Bladen award, a £500 cash prize.

Lizzie was kind enough to meet and show me her beautiful winning designs. She gave me much insight into how the best menswear is created. 

Here is part of our discussion - 

GF: Well done on winning a National Tailoring & Design award; how did this come about?

LA: Thank you! I am so excited to be part of the Savile Row National Tailoring awards and be selected as a winner for the Bladen award. I joined The Arts University Bournemouth with the intentions of graduating a womenswear designer, but after a spontaneous decision to try menswear, my interest in tailoring grew and became a passion and something I want to pursue as my career. The skill, craftsmanship and traditions are a few of the many things that draw me to this specialism.

GF: Tell me about the award.

LA: The competition is organised by The Savile Row Training Academy. My particular award was given by Bladen. I'm a final year student and the prize will help me fund the costs of a final collection. I visited the Bladen team at Wensum Tailoring in Norwich in March and was very excited to see the work which they do.

GF: Tell me about your winning entry.

LA: I designed two suits inspired by a World War II 1945 dispatch rider's coat using traditional simple tailored aesthetics. I found the coat at a car boot sale in the summer. Not knowing its story I was soon to discover through a bit of research that it was more than just the old rotting coat I paid £7 for. 

For those interested, the design process has been recorded in more detail here.

GF: What next for you? 

LA: I am creating my final collection, which is a collaboration between me and an artist (my father) David Atkins still incorporating traditional tailoring techniques and shapes. I have some interesting silhouettes developing so far and lots of colour! My father's work has always inspired me and the way I work so I'm very excited for this project. 

GF: What do you see yourself doing in the future?

LA: After university I intend to move to London, improve my tailoring skills through in house training and continue working very hard to kick start my career in the menswear industry. In ten years time I would dream of having the admirable skills of a Savile Row tailor and applying these skills in a job were I can design with my own personal creative style. I will continue to work hard and take as many opportunities and experiences as possible. 

Some of Lizzie's designs for her final collection

With many thanks to Lizzie Atkins, whose final collection I hope to feature in a future post.