Bradford School of Art witnessed a magnificent explosion of creativity and talent as students unveiled their stunning Summer Show at the Bradford College Lister Building. The captivating event, which took place in front of an audience of nearly 300 guests, marked the culmination of a year of hard work for the students before they embark on their next steps in education or the creative industries.
The Summer Show showcased an impressive array of work across various creative disciplines, ranging from Level 2 to undergraduate students. The event incorporated live music, student performances, an exhibition in the Dye House Gallery, and three mesmerising fashion shows that left the audience in awe.
The Siobhan Ullah Performance Space at Bradford College served as the venue for this year’s fashion shows, where the students presented their extraordinary collections. The showcased collections included:
- Avante Garde: Drawing inspiration from renowned figures like Alexander McQueen and the Met Gala, this collection pushed boundaries and explored the avant-garde side of fashion.
- Keep Calm and Carry On: Paying homage to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), this collection reflected the influence of the iconic monarch on fashion.
- Get a Life!: Inspired by the subtraction pattern cutting technique employed by Dame Vivienne Westwood, this collection embodied a sense of edginess and rebellion.
- “11”: Taking inspiration from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things, this retro-themed collection exuded nostalgia and captivated the audience.
The showcase also featured graduate collections that showcased the immense talent and creativity of the students. Noteworthy collections included:
- ‘African Royal 1880’ by Blandine Lum: This collection blended Victorian sleeve shapes with African fabrics, aiming to spread the influence of African culture into Western fashion.
- ‘South Asian Circus: A Spectacle of Fashion’ by Sumayyah Imran: Playful garments inspired by circus trapeze artists and acrobats fused with highly decorative Eastern textiles enthralled the viewers.
- ‘For the Love of Roses’ by Shagufta Naz: This elegant womenswear collection drew inspiration from the natural beauty of pink and red roses, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- ‘Certified City Gworl’ by Stephanie Ndukuba: Championing different body shapes, this plus-size collection embraced vibrant and colorful LA style, promoting inclusivity in fashion.
- ‘Eternal Revival’ by Maimoona Darr: Focusing on sustainability, this collection utilised scrap fabric pieces, coffee sacks, roll ends, and pre-owned clothing to create timeless pieces.
The BA (Hons) Fashion degree program at Bradford College has gained a reputation for producing highly qualified and employment-ready graduates who excel in diverse fashion-related careers. The comprehensive range of modules offered by the program allows students to develop a professional understanding of fashion design, supported by competitions, live projects, specialised visits, and industry-led presentations.
Expressing her pride in the students’ achievements, Angela Loftus, BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons) Media Make Up Programme Leader at Bradford School of Art, commended the impressive standard of work produced by the students. She expressed her delight at the presence of industry connections, future employers, as well as family and friends who came to support the students and witness their exceptional dedication.
The Bradford School of Art Summer Show featured the creations of students enrolled in various programs, including Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design, Level 2 and Level 3 Media Make-Up with Special Effects, Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice, Foundation Degree in Textile Practice, BA (Hons) Art & Design, BA (Hons) Media Make-Up with Special Effects, and BA (Hons) Fashion.
The Bradford School of Art Summer Show will be open to the public on weekdays at the Bradford College Lister Building from 19th to 30th June, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
For those interested in learning more about the degree programs offered by Bradford School of Art, there will be a Higher Education Open Event on 22nd June from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Great Horton Road Campus. To secure a place at the event, individuals can book their spot through the Bradford College events webpage.
For additional information about the BA (Hons) Fashion degree, please visit: https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-fashion/
