Ethical students...
June 3 2008
Southampton Solent University's final year fashion students will be showing industry professionals and the city that opulence doesn't have to 'cost the earth' at its ethically themed Graduate Fashion Show on Wednesday June 18.
This year's annual show at Southampton Guildhall is based on 1920's opulence with hints of French Baroque, creating a lavish feel of warm colours and vintage décor. Local boy band and former X Factor finalists, 4Tune, will set the rich tone of the evening by performing during the show, and there will be special guest models and speakers from the fashion industry.
High fashion will be balanced with an ethical theme incorporating aspects of recycling shown through some of the catwalk collections and an exhibition called "Clean Futures".
The exhibition will show that aesthetically pleasing and stylish design can be environmentally friendly. There will be work on show from designers, University staff and students. Examples will include Laurence Llewelyn Bowens Can Can Chair made entirely from recycled household cans, the Rag Bag Project featuring hand made rag dolls with information on the importance of recycling, and designs for less wasteful coffee packaging and point of sale displays.
Lisa Mann, Senior Fashion Lecturer said:
"This is a great opportunity to celebrate the talent we have here in the fashion department at Southampton Solent University."
She added:
"Ethics and the environment are hot topics in the fashion industry at the moment and we actively encourage our students to consider these issues within their work. We are donating a percentage of the proceeds from this years show to 'Fashioning an Ethical Industry', a project that raises awareness of current company practices and initiatives to improve conditions within the industry."
The Clean Futures exhibition and vintage fair will be on view to the public throughout the day. The Graduate Fashion Show will be open from 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. Tickets are £12.50 (£10 students) and can be purchased from The Guildhall Box Office in person, by telephone on 023 8063 2601 or on their website
www.southampton-guildhall.com||
MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO PRESS OFFICER on 023 8031 9040.