Pictured above: Gavin Douglas with the Coventry University
fashion graduates with whom he worked on his new line
Five Coventry University graduates who worked with award-winning
fashion designer Gavin Douglas as part of a government-funded
internship scheme are seeing the fruits of their efforts exhibited
at the Caribbean Fashionweek 2011 (June 8th - 13th).
The fashion graduates made use of the University's
state-of-the-art studios to help with research, development and
production on Gavin Douglas's new spring and summer collection,
which will be worn on the catwalk by Jamaican supermodels Nell
Robinson, Jaunel McKenzie and Jeneil Williams.
At a time when the UK textiles industry is crying out for young
people with grass-roots skills, Gavin Douglas provided the Coventry
graduates with exclusive industry experience - including roles such
as pattern-cutting, print designing and garment production - and is
currently offering a series of on-campus workshops for fashion
undergraduates at the University.
The graduates' paid internships, which were arranged through the
University's Careers and Employability Service and supported by the
Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), reflect
Coventry's increased focus on helping its students and graduates to
develop their skills to meet the demands of today's challenging job
market.
Ann Muirhead, Head of Fashion at Coventry University, said:
"We're thrilled to be collaborating with Gavin, whose experience
and influence in the fashion industry have already been of great
benefit to students and graduates of our course. This relationship
is also an excellent example of how the University is engaging with
the business community not only to help develop research and
innovation, but also to help our graduates progress into the world
of work."
Gavin Douglas said:
"Coventry University's fashion department has a strong
reputation in the industry, and I've very much enjoyed working with
its graduates and having access to its facilities, which are some
of the most advanced in the industry, to develop my new line of
clothing.
"The graduates both observed and actively participated in the
creation of our new spring and summer collection, from the concept
to the completed garment. I'm sure they will agree that it was an
exciting and insightful experience, with the end result that they
get to see the garments they worked on exhibited at the Caribbean
Fashionweek."
Since starting his business in 2004, Birmingham-based Gavin
Douglas has carved a reputation for producing a unique brand of
high-end fashion for women.
His ultra-chic garments - which have been worn by the likes of
Kelly Rowland and Estelle - have won him a string of commendations,
including Avant-Garde Designer of the Year in 2004 and the
prestigious Fashion Fringe award in 2006. At Caribbean Fashionweek
he will present the 'Gavin Douglas Young Designers' award to
fashion hopefuls.
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk