Competition Unveiled
A unique collaboration between textile innovator Rosemary Moore and the Graduate Fashion Foundation has brought forth a remarkable competition designed
to nurture the next generation of fashion creatives. This year's challenge specifically tasks aspiring designers with exploring the potential of Maxxam's innovative seamless stretch textiles. The objective is to foster contemporary womenswear concepts that not only showcase aesthetic vision but also demonstrate technical prowess in utilizing these advanced materials. This initiative serves as a crucial stepping stone for students as they prepare to enter the professional fashion arena, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and exposure ahead of the highly anticipated Graduate Fashion Week 2026.
Finalists Announced
The intense selection process has narrowed the field down to four exceptionally talented emerging designers who have captivated the judges with their forward-thinking approaches. Representing diverse institutions, the finalists are Hisham Ramadan from City University Malaysia, Amy Brown of the University of Central Lancashire, Jenna Lad from Nottingham Trent University, and Madeline Foex hailing from De Montfort University. Each of these designers presented a compelling vision that harmoniously blended creative direction with sophisticated technical execution. Their proposed collections explored a range of inspirations, from dynamic, marine-themed sportswear and adaptable swimwear designs to elegantly layered ensembles influenced by coastal aesthetics, all conceived with Maxxam's signature stretch fabrics in mind.
Showcase and Future
The journey for these four finalists is far from over; they are now embarking on the critical phase of bringing their designs to life. In close collaboration with Maxxam’s manufacturing experts, each designer will produce a single, fully realized look that embodies their competition concept. These final creations will form a key part of the exhibition at Graduate Fashion Week 2026, offering the public and industry professionals a glimpse into the future of fashion design. The pinnacle of the competition will be the announcement of the ultimate winner on the gala runway during the event. Beyond the recognition, the competition's overarching goal is to equip these designers with practical, hands-on experience in textile innovation and to smoothly facilitate their transition into the demanding landscape of the global fashion industry, underscoring the vital support offered by the Graduate Fashion Foundation.
