Bailey & Beckham named patrons of Graduate Fashion Week

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Nov 6, 2015

It's been 20 years since Burberry's Christopher Bailey won the first ever Graduate Fashion Award and now it has come full circle, with Bailey named one of the first patrons for the Graduate Fashion Week.

Bailey is joined by Victoria Beckham, who has also been named a patron. He said: "I was extremely fortunate to have won the first Graduate Fashion Award over 20 years ago. It became a fundamental stepping-stone in my career, giving me a platform that allowed me to pursue the incredible opportunities that I have experienced since.  It is a true honour for me to be able to support the next generation of exciting design talent in the UK, during Graduate Fashion Week's very special 25th anniversary year."

40 UK and 15 international universities and colleges take part in Graduate Fashion Week, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Mark Newton-Jones, Chairman of the Graduate Fashion Week charity, said: "Graduate Fashion Week has become a highlight in the fashion industry's calendar and, for many up and coming designers; it's the moment their careers begin. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover the very best of emerging global design talent."

"In the run up to our 25th anniversary celebrations, our remit is bigger than ever. We now have thousands of graduates from around the world receiving our backing and support year on year. I consider myself honoured to be chairing Graduate Fashion Week and I'm delighted that Christopher Bailey, our first ever winner, is also joining us as our first official patron alongside Victoria Beckham."