Debenhams, the iconic British digital department store, has announced a new partnership with the Graduate Fashion Foundation by introducing the “Designers at Debenhams Catwalk to Commercial” Award at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) 2024. This initiative marks a significant milestone as Debenhams steps in as the catwalk hall partner, offering an exceptional opportunity for emerging fashion talent.
The “Designers at Debenhams Catwalk to Commercial” Award will provide one outstanding graduate designer with a 12-month in-house contract at Debenhams, offering a unique chance to gain invaluable industry experience from a commercial perspective. The winning designer will also have the exciting opportunity to create a full collection with the retailer, scheduled to go on sale in 2025 as part of the Designers at Debenhams relaunch.
Debenhams is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of fashion designers by offering industry experience, education on commercial business operations, and career development opportunities. This initiative also marks the re-launch of the highly successful Designers at Debenhams program, which enables designer fashion to be more accessible to a broader audience. The re-launch will honour the brand’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary collaborations and present-day muses. Since its inception in 1993, Designers at Debenhams has played a pivotal role in the careers of esteemed designers such as Julian MacDonald, Matthew Williamson, and Henry Holland.
Graduate Fashion Week is the world’s largest showcase of BA fashion talent, featuring specially curated runway shows at the renowned Truman Brewery in London. The GFW Awards are central to the event, with 26 prestigious prizes across multiple disciplines from Photography and Communications to Textiles and Design. Debenhams has a long-standing history with the Graduate Fashion Foundation, having sponsored the 25th Anniversary Menswear Award in 2016 and supporting the winner’s attendance at their chosen university.
To select the winner, Debenhams judges will join the daily catwalk judging panel, attending, watching, and reviewing all university students’ collections showcased across the 4-day event.
Dan Finley, CEO at Debenhams, said: “Supporting the next generation of talent is immensely important to us, which is why we are excited about our partnership with Graduate Fashion Week. This ethos has always been at the core of Debenhams, and supporting emerging talent is the next step in our journey with Designers at Debenhams.”
Debenhams’ latest collaborations feature an impressive lineup of talent, showcasing the creativity and style of iconic British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, the charm and elegance of TV and radio broadcaster Lisa Snowdon, and the innovative flair of Great British Sewing Bee finalist Brogan Allard.
GFW will be hosted at The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL, from 10th – 13th June. All 16 catwalk show tickets are available for purchase online, and the catwalks will be live-streamed at Graduate Fashion Week.
Opening Times:
- Monday – Wednesday: 09:30 – 19:30
- Thursday: 09:30 – 17:00
