If you’ve ever doubted the future of fashion, Graduate Fashion Week 2025, hosted by Debenhams, was here to silence the skeptics. In a world where critics claim creativity is waning and originality is a relic, this year’s graduates delivered a resounding rebuttal. Their message? Fashion is alive, thriving, and more daring than ever.
A New Wave of Visionaries
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. The air buzzed with anticipation as industry insiders, press, and style enthusiasts gathered to witness the next generation of talent. What unfolded over the week was nothing short of extraordinary—a celebration of ingenuity, boldness, and the kind of raw talent that reminds us why fashion matters.
Forget the copycat culture and the endless parade of déjà vu silhouettes. These designers are rewriting the rules. We saw collections that broke boundaries, challenged norms, and brought fresh perspectives to the runway. Each piece was a testament to the designer’s unique voice, vision, and fearlessness.
What was most striking was the diversity of inspiration. Some drew from their cultural roots, weaving heritage and tradition into contemporary silhouettes. Others explored themes of sustainability, gender, and identity, using fashion as a platform for dialogue and change. The result was a kaleidoscope of styles, from sculptural avant-garde statements to sleek, wearable minimalism—proving that the next generation refuses to be boxed in.
Behind the Collections: Stories That Matter
Backstage, the excitement was palpable. We spoke to several of the standout designers, who generously shared the inspirations behind their collections. From deeply personal narratives to explorations of cultural heritage and social commentary, every piece had a story to tell. The creative process was laid bare—from the first sketch to the final fitting—revealing a meticulous attention to detail and a passion that can’t be faked.
“It’s about more than just clothes,” one designer told us. “It’s about expressing who we are and what we believe in.”
Many designers described the emotional journey of bringing their visions to life. Some collections were born from personal struggles or triumphs, others from a desire to address societal issues or celebrate underrepresented voices. The process was often collaborative, with students working closely with mentors, artisans, and even family members to perfect every detail. The result? Garments that felt intimate, authentic, and powerfully resonant.
The technical prowess on display was equally impressive. From hand-dyed fabrics and intricate embroidery to innovative material choices and experimental construction, these collections showcased a level of craftsmanship that rivals established fashion houses. It’s clear that these graduates have not only mastered the fundamentals, but are also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in contemporary fashion.
Runway Highlights: A Feast for the Eyes
The runway shows were a visual spectacle. Models glided down the catwalk in jaw-dropping creations—some avant-garde, others effortlessly wearable, all undeniably original. The audience was captivated, and for good reason: these were designs we’d never seen before, executed with a level of craftsmanship that belied their creators’ years.
Every look told a story. Every collection made a statement. And every designer proved that the future of fashion is in very safe—and very talented—hands.
The staging itself was a masterclass in presentation. Lighting, music, and choreography were all carefully considered to complement the mood of each collection. One moment, the room was hushed as a model floated by in a sculptural, all-white ensemble inspired by modern architecture. The next, the crowd erupted in applause for a riot of color and texture, channeling the vibrancy of street art and youth culture.
What truly set GFW25 apart was the sense of community and support among the designers. Backstage, there was an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual admiration. Designers cheered each other on, shared last-minute tips, and celebrated each other’s successes—a heartwarming reminder that fashion, at its best, is about collaboration as much as competition.
And the Winners Are…
The week culminated in a glittering awards ceremony, spotlighting the brightest stars of GFW25:
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Menswear Award: Alicia Bambury, Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts
Bambury’s collection was a standout, fusing classic tailoring with bold, contemporary twists. Her use of unexpected fabrics and playful silhouettes challenged traditional notions of menswear, earning her well-deserved recognition. -
Catwalk Colour Award (WGSN Coloro): Jasmine Kelly, Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University
Kelly’s work was a celebration of color theory, with vibrant hues and daring combinations that lit up the runway. Her pieces were not only visually arresting but also demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of how color can evoke emotion and tell a story. -
Catwalk to Commercial Award: Kitty Carr-Lake, University of Leeds
Carr-Lake impressed the judges with a collection that balanced creativity and commercial appeal. Her garments were innovative yet wearable, making them a hit with both the fashion press and potential buyers.
International Awards:
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Bronze: Zhang Xiyue, Donghua University College of Fashion and Design
Zhang’s collection fused Eastern and Western influences, resulting in garments that felt both timeless and cutting-edge. -
Silver: Lui Yingshan, Donghua University Sino-Japan Joint Program of Fashion Design
Lui’s work stood out for its meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful exploration of cross-cultural aesthetics. -
Gold: Li-Yue Chen, Shih Chien University
Chen’s collection was a tour de force of technical skill and conceptual depth, earning top honors among a highly competitive international field.
Best of GFW25:
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Bronze: Scarlet Taylor, Nottingham Trent University
Taylor’s designs were praised for their originality and fearless experimentation with form and texture. -
Silver: Le Wan Tan, University for the Creative Arts Epsom
Tan’s collection showcased a refined sense of style, blending elegance with a modern edge. -
Gold: Sarah Ajayi, Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University
Ajayi’s work was the talk of the week—her collection combined innovative construction with powerful storytelling, making her a deserving winner of GFW25’s top prize.
(See images below. Photo credit: @officialgfw)
Photo credit: @officialgfw
The Verdict
Graduate Fashion Week 2025 wasn’t just a showcase—it was a revelation. These graduates aren’t just following in the footsteps of giants; they’re forging their own paths, and the industry is all the better for it. If this is the future of fashion, we can all rest easy: creativity is not only alive, it’s thriving.
This year’s event also underscored the importance of nurturing young talent and providing platforms for new voices. With the support of institutions like Debenhams and the dedication of educators and mentors, the next generation is equipped not just to participate in the fashion world, but to lead it.
Fashion’s next chapter starts here. And we can’t wait to see what’s next.
