Fashion stars chosen as Talent of Tomorrow

Kathleen Bassett, a BA (Hons) Fashion Design undergraduate, is among Solent’s graduating students who took part. She was picked as one of 54 emerging Graduate Designers, chosen by Phoebe Lettice Thompson, a renowned stylist who has worked with artists such as Anne-Marie and Gracie Abrams.

Kathleen’s impressive designs, which explore the experience of being dyslexic through fashion, appear in this year’s campaign. Kathleen’s collection takes inspiration from the Northern Lights, as well as the vast solar system, resulting in bespoke garments such as draped jumpsuits and voluminous dresses. Kathleen says:

“Solent has helped me develop as a designer by encouraging me to try new techniques and go out of my comfort zone. Studying a creative degree at university has been good for me, because I’ve learnt different techniques of how to make clothes.”

Each year, the Graduate Fashion Foundation selects outstanding graduating students from around the UK to watch, as they prepare to carve out careers in the industry. Chosen for their promise in fashion, these students are celebrated in the annual Talent of Tomorrow campaign; a showcase of the country’s very best creative talent. Emma Calder, Solent’s Course Leader Fashion Design, Fashion Photography and Fashion Styling and Creative Direction, says:

“I am always so proud, as a course leader and an academic trustee for GFF, to see how professionally the graduating students work together at the Talent of Tomorrow creative photoshoot. They come together, sharing their diverse skills and ideas that have been developed and honed during their studies, to create a unique showcase which celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of students from across such a wide spectrum of fashion-based degree courses.”

The shoot took place in Shoreditch, London, with 15 third-year students from Solent’s Department of Art and Music taking part. The team lent their skills in videography and photography, with BA (Hons) Fashion Photography and Image Production student, Tasmin Khatun, serving as lead photographer for one of the shoots. Tasmin says:

“Connecting with so many creatives from across the country felt surreal and exciting. I was incredibly lucky to have an industry mentor, Mathushaa Sagthidas. As someone I already follow and look up to – especially as a South Asian woman breaking into the industry – it really calmed my nerves.

“Solent has been a nurturing space for discovering my creative voice and improving my technical skills, and this opportunity has truly reaffirmed that this is the career path I want to pursue.”

A collective from the University’s BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design degree – who deliver industry-standard makeup and beauty looks under the moniker GUNK Pro – were responsible for creating every look for the shoot using Rimmel products. Abi Hobbs, Gunk Junior Editor and a member of the makeup team, says:

“The Talent of Tomorrow photoshoot helped me to engage with other creatives and show my skills within editorial based makeup. I enjoyed meeting new connections whilst also learning new things about the industry.”

The campaign also highlighted the outcomes of creative graduates at Solent, as BA (Hons) Photography alumna, Grace Hodgson, took part, acting as a mentor alongside other industry professionals. Since graduating in 2018, Grace has appeared in titles including British Vogue and worked with icons such as Nick Knight CBE. Grace’s success highlights the role of higher education in leading creatives towards fulfilling careers in their chosen field.

Solent’s Course Leader for Prosthetics and Special Effects Design, alongside BA Makeup and Hair Design and MA Makeup and Hair Design Futures, Donna Bevan says:

“This is such a great real-world experience; collaborating with students from across the UK, developing contacts and networks, and producing some great looks!”