Beatrice Newman: 2009 FAD Competition Illustration; Beatrice’s MA Collection

Kicking off the  FAD 10 celebrations will be a catwalk show featuring fashion designs from a decade of the FAD Competition, alongside hot new collections from past FAD winners & finalists.

Here is a sneaky preview and some more info on just five of the extremely talented designers who will be showcasing.

Beatrice ‘Korlekie’ Newman

Pop stars Rita Ora (ELLE Style Awards) & Alesha Dixon wearing Korlekie

Beatrice took part in the 2009 FAD Competition, wowing the jury even then with her intricate and painstakingly beautiful designs.

Since then she has gone on to dress some of the strongest female music artists in the UK from the Noisettes’ Shingai Shoniwa and Alesha Dixon, to Rita Ora who wore one of her designs to the ELLE Style Awards earlier this month. Having just completed an MA at the London College of Fashion this is one young designer who is destined for big things. Read more about Beatrice’s knitwear label Korlekie here.

Rasa Abramaviciute

Rasa won the 2010 FAD Competition

Rasa’s graduate collection showcased at Truman Brewery

Rasa won the FAD Competition in 2010 when she was only in the 2^nd year of a Fashion BA at Middlesex University. FAD awarded her £2,000 and a placement with Dame Vivienne Westwood.

On the jury panel for that year was Designer David Koma (himself an FAD Competition finalist in 2005). He was so impressed by Rasa that he gave her a placement with him for several months. With all this knowledge and experience behind her, Rasa returned to Vivienne Westwood after graduating, where she now works full-time in the design team.

Katie Pope

Images from recent Harnett & Pope collection

Katie Pope was a runner-up in the 2005 FAD Competition. After a stint at Trendstop.com she has now set up her own business with design partner Christy Harnett. Together they are the talent behind luscious London label Harnett & Pope.

Rebecca Thomson

Rebecca Thomson’s Work in Progress at the RCA & Illustration for 2010 FAD Competition

Royal College of Art student Rebecca Thomson was an FAD finalist in 2010. She hit headlines when she went on to win the Graduate Fashion Week Gala Award the same year. Currently studying fashion at the Royal College of Art, watch out for the rest of Rebecca’s stunning collection when she graduates this May.

Vera Thordardottir

Photo credit: Charlie Strand. Vera’s 2010 FAD Competition garment to feature in new book on Icelandic Design.

Vera in Vogue.com & a design from her latest collection (Photo credit: Charlie Strand)

2010 runner-up, Vera Thordardottir featured in Vogue after Lady Gaga was snapped wearing her designs,  not once but twice. Originally from Iceland Vera’s latest collection inspired by the landscapes of her home country opened Reykjavik Fashion Week, and will feature later this year in a new book on Icelandic Fashion Design.

For information on the FAD 10 Charity Gala Show and to purchase tickets please visit: www.fad.org.uk

Travelling from across the width and breadth of London, the fashionable teenagers arrived bright and early for their first FAD session; draping on the stand and figure drawing.

Getting to grips with the human form in both 3-D and 2-D proved to be the perfect ice breaker, with some excellent observational drawing and initial garment ideas taking shape in just one morning.

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For more information on Fashion Futures 2012 visit www.fad.org.uk

Start by telling us a little bit about Andre&Cuthbertson? Why and how did you get started?

J: We began making concept ideas back in April 2011. Andre was still at college doing Photography and Textiles, and at the time I was at Middlesex University studying Advertising Media and PR whilst interning at a Fashion PR Office. So we merged it all together to create Andre&Cuthbertson (A&C).

A: I didn’t want to lose the subjects like photography when specialising in fashion design, so it seemed like a great idea to carry on these as hobbies through A&C.

As well as working hard on A&C, what else are you up to?

A: I’m currently studying at UCA Epsom on an Art & Design Foundation, hopefully to go on and do a degree in fashion design.

J: I am currently studying my Foundation in Professional Photography accredited by the University of Westminster.

Can you tell us a little bit about the planning of the shoot – who else was involved?

J: We already knew that we wanted to use Dani J as the face after seeing her at various different events and recognising her from ITV2 Models, Misfits and Mayhem we really loved her image.

A: Once she was on board we approached Artist James Bell to create the backdrops for us as he was at Justin’s previous University, so we were already very keen on his work. We found Lara Lockwood and after seeing her make-up work we automatically knew that we wanted her to do the shoot, her previous features already envisioned the type of colours and detail that we had in our own ideas.

J: Our Hairstylist was Jordan Blake-Klein. Tommy Bruce the videographer currently works at one of the magazines we contribute for, and having him there on the day added another edge to the shoot.

A: We also had an Assistant Photographer, Darren Orbell. He is somebody whose opinions we really value – he is always on side to lend a hand and give advice. One the creative team was in place, we put together some mood boards to give everyone a starting point. After that, we left it open to individuals to make it their own.

What was the concept behind the shoot?

J: Ideas can stem from many things, such as a designers collection or simply just from our heads. We wanted to take the colourful FAD collections and really play on them and this is when we got artist James Bell involved.

A: We wanted to make sure that the shoot was fun, happy and colourful and embodied what FAD are about and also what Andre&Cuthbertson are about.

What made you decide to volunteer with FAD?

J: FAD is such a positive organization. Automatically you can feel the warmth surrounding their shows, their students and even just by taking a visit to the FAD Office. We really believe in what the FAD Charity stands for. Since Andre participated in 2010 they have shown willingness and support not just for him as an individual but also the work of A&C. So for us it’s about giving back to a cause that we feel strongly towards and privileged to be a part of.

Andre – as Justin mentioned you took part in Fashion Futures, and were one of the runners-up of the 2010 FAD Junior Awards. How did the project help you and what opportunities did it bring?

A: Wow, well I have to say having been a runner-up at the award show confirmed to me that I wanted to do Fashion Design and that was what I was going to be. FAD opened up so many doors for me including my internship at River Island Head Office. I learnt so much at my time there, specifically not to specialise in one area too soon as it could limit me in getting a job after I graduate.

FAD aren’t just there for the time, I’d say they are there until the end.  Even after finishing the project they were still there to give advice and support and that’s something which really makes me proud to have been a part of FAD.

Any advice/tips for young people wanting to get into styling & photography like you?

J: Just go for it, there is nothing stopping you from getting a camera, a location, a friend and clothes and start shooting away. Use the Internet –  it is such a great tool for sharing your work across the world. Someone somewhere is bound to see it and love it and you never known might be that one person to give you a chance.

What do you love most about what you do?

A: For me personally, it’s the people you meet along the way and the friendships you can create. I also love sharing our work with people and hearing the feedback or even how many ‘likes’ or ‘retweets’ our work can get, it’s all very exciting.

J: As well as working with some fantastically talented people. I love the crafting of concepts and finally putting them down to the test in our styling and photography sessions. I think a big part of it is that we really love it; we never stop in our heads. We are always creating!

What is next for A&C?

J: We just want to keep growing and growing doing something that we really enjoy and carry on learning. We have an upcoming Photo Shoot with the work of RCA Student James Pilcher, we have just finished working with a great band Nimmo And The Gauntletts on their new video. We just hope that we are able to carry on advancing and be the best we can be.

Andre&Cuthbertson’s photoshoot of FAD’s Fashion Futures 2011 finalists will feature in the new edition of the FAD Magazine published later this month. For more information on the creative duo visit:

www.andreandcuthbertson.co.uk

www.facebook.com/andreandcuthbertson

Watch the amazing behind the scenes film by young videographer Tommy Bruce.

While FAD was launching Fashion Futures 2012 this month with a brief entitled ‘Great British Design’. our resident Sartorialist was busy snapping pics of some original young British style.

The morning was spent in the Sackler Centre auditorium, where the new recruits all aged between 16-18 years old were introduced to Fashion Futures and this year’s project brief – ‘Great British Design’. The afternoon was spent in the amazing British Galleries drawing from the many inspiring objects to be found over three floors of interiors, fashion, graphic and product design.

Sign up to our blog to receive regular updates from ‘Fashion Futures 2012′, as our teen designers get ready to embark on 10 weeks of practical fashion workshops.

Fashion Futures 2012 is sponsored by George at Asda.

Video filmed and edited by Tommy Bruce

FAD is busy preparing the 2012 edition of mini magazine, showcasing the work of some of our talented young designers, latest FAD stories and lots more.

This year we are very proud to have the work of volunteers such as Andre & Cuthbertson featuring in the magazine and right here on our blog. They put together a fantastic photo shoot with garments from the 2011 FAD Junior Awards for our Fashion Futures pages. 

Andre, 18 & Justin, 20 are the creative duo behind Andre & Cuthbertson. They co-ordinated a very talented team of volunteers to take part in this project including Tommy Bruce who recorded and edited the whole day in this fantastic film, and model Dani J from ITV2 Models, Misfits and Mayhem.

Thanks to everyone who made the photoshoot possible. We look forward to following up on this post with an interview about volunteering from the creative duo themselves.

In the meantime enjoy watching!

CREDITS: Check out the volunteers behind this amazing shoot!

Photography & Art Direction: Andre & Cuthbertson

Assistant Photographer: Darren Orbell

Model: Dani J

Make-up: Lara Lockwood

Hair:  Jordan Blake Klein

Backdrops: James Bell

Video filming & editing: tommy@dreamtek.tv

Oufits Designed by: Fashion Futures 2011 finalists & winners Yasemin Cakli, Sabine Bindere, Tamzin O’Garro, Danielle Ossamor, Shaunette Vincent.

It’s official George at Asda sponsor Fashion Futures 2012!

The retailer will support over one hundred teenagers, aged 16-18 years old, to embark on a course of bespoke training and opportunities with FAD.

Last year George sponsored the first stage of the Fashion Futures workshops. The George team worked directly with young people on the project – delivering workshops on trends research and mood board design, as well as setting a challenge to re-style their spring/summer collection for the George Style Blog.

“We’ve been on an industry day to George, which was great. They took a real interest in us, getting us involved in their blog and working with us. I used to shop in George ages ago and since working with them it’s made me go back to their store again and look at what they are doing.  I think if more companies got involved in doing things like this for young people, they would do a lot better as well. We respect them a lot for giving the time to help us.”  Marilyn, 18

As part of last year’s partnership Yasemin and Angela, both 17, were invited to design garments for the George sponsorship stand at Graduate Fashion Week in June. Another student, Sabine, 19 was awarded a two-week placement with the George design team after winning the 2011 FAD Junior Awards final in September.

“Graduate Fashion Week was by far the best and most rewarding experience of my life. I particularly enjoyed seeing the shows and it was amazing to meet the lovely members of the George team who looked after us so well.” Angela, 17

Of the partnership George Brand Director Fiona Lambert said: “George is well known for its commitment to encouraging young talent in the industry. They are the lifeblood of our industry and through our sponsorship of Graduate Fashion Week and FAD we’re able to work with some amazing people with fantastic ideas and skills, while giving them experience and opportunities in the business.”

Look out for regular updates from the 2012 Fashion Futures project which launches at the V&A museum this Saturday 21^st January right here on the FAD blog.

Thank you to who everyone who entered, but in the end we could only select the top four! Congratulations to talented young designers Nadine Peters, Karmen-Marie Parker, Ivy Owusu-Ansah and Rizwana Zarian for their amazing designs (we really want one of each!)

We were overwhelmed with the response for volunteers to take part in the printing workshop on Monday 19^th December. We had ten young people step in to take up the print production challenge, giving a day of their Christmas holidays to help out.

The afternoon was an absolute blast! There were some trial and errors to begin with as many of the young people had never screen printed before, however they got stuck in and the result was 350 bags for the FAD Gala show. We are really impressed with the finished products! What do you think?

The FAD Charity Gala Show on 21^st February 2012 will raise money for talented young people like these to take part in our creative workshops for free. Read more about the event and purchase tickets on the FAD website.

So Sabine, how has the past two weeks been? What kind of things have you been up to at George?

“I’ve been doing a lot of research over the past two weeks – looking at trend books, researching online, going through newspapers and taking clippings of anything fashion or culture related. Everything from theatre and exhibitions to who the new faces are.

I found the trend books really inspiring – the colours I would definitely like use in my own design work, or when I start uni. It’s crazy to think I’ve seen what the colours for S/S 2013 are going to be.”

What’s been some of the best bits for you? What have you learnt?

“George have really helped me to realise how it works. This business is very competitive and commercial. The customer is really important and as a retailer they want to provide the best they can give.

Just having this whole experience with George, what it’s like to work full time, meeting new people and listening to their perspectives on the fashion and design industry. I’ve just enjoyed making the most of this opportunity really.”

What do you think about George for giving you this opportunity?

“I think George are really good – very beneficial. I think it’s very important to have people like FAD and George who are willing to help young people like me get experience and opportunities.”

Do you think you would be where you are now if you hadn’t done FAD?

“No way – FAD have helped me in every single way possible. The whole experience was amazing. I don’t even have words for it. It makes me smile every time I think about London Fashion Week and seeing my garment on the catwalk. I think there should be more charities like FAD helping young people. They open doors for you, really.”

What do you think the industry could do more of to help young people like you?

“Keep giving people opportunities to express themselves. I think this (FAD) is amazing; I would do it every year. Just more programmes that young people can show their talent and challenge themselves and express themselves through.”

Finally Sabine, what’s next for you? Where would you like to be in a year’s time.

“I really want to go to uni and get more work experience as well. I want to try and learn as much as I can, get more skills so I can be the best I can. I’ve already experienced what it’s like to show at London Fashion Week, to see something I’ve created showcased on a catwalk. It’s that which makes me want to work hard and make the most of everything.”

SPOTTED: this week in the latest edition of LIVE Magazine, ‘Trading Places’ Photo Shoot by Jermaine Richardson, 17, who was a student on our Fashion Futures 1 summer course in 2009. He has been Creative Director at Live Magazine for a while now and recently featured in Dazed & Confused. A true talent before his time.

READ: great interview with band Exit Ten by Fashion Futures 2008 finalist, Jasmine Lee. Jasmine is a keen photographer, volunteering her skills at FAD events, while also working with the Roundhouse in Camden, photographing gigs and writing for Red Top, as well as presenting on their radio station. See more of Jasmine’s work on facebook.

EMAILED: by Andre&Cuthbertson, a young creative duo currently studying foundation at Epsom. Andre is none other than Andre Augusto, runner-up in the 2010 FAD Junior Awards. With his styling partner Justin, they have already built  up a portfolio of photo shoots and mini films for the likes of Nupe Magazine and DASH. We are excited to reveal they have volunteered to do a photo shoot featuring garments from the 2011 FAD Junior Awards for the FAD blog in the new year. Watch this space for the results!

INVITED: to the Westminster 1^st year fashion show to see the work of talented FAD finalist and volunteer, Philip Luu. Now dreaming of owning one of these beautiful bespoke shirts (left).