Member Article

Fenwick gives students a window of opportunity

Department store Fenwick is teaming up with Northumbria University’s School of Design in a partnership that will see the retailer support young fashion designers to develop and showcase their talent.

As part of an initiative to benefit both fashion design and fashion marketing students, Fenwick will be getting involved in a series of initiatives including industry lectures, prize givings, fashion show sponsorships and competitions.

Part of the scheme involves ‘Fenwick Fashion Award 2008’ which involves the retailer transforming its Northumberland Street windows into a week-long workshop where fourth year students will finish their final collections live in the window.

Fenwick will also judge all of the final collections at the graduate show and will give one lucky student the chance to have their designs brought to reality. The winning design will be made up in various sizes and sold in the store’s French Salon as well as being showcased in the window at a later date for shoppers to view.

Lindsey McKenna, Head of Marketing and Creative at Fenwick, said: “It is a real privilege to be able to work closely with the students and to play a part in them becoming designers of the future. Our mutual dedication to cutting edge fashion, style and commitment to the North East makes this a really exciting partnership and we’re looking forward to working together as part of this long term project.”

Chris Hodge, programme leader at Northumbria University’s School of Design said: “Our students are really excited to be working with Fenwick - we’re always keen to explore new avenues to promote the quality talent we attract to the course and this partnership with one of the region’s longest standing fashion retailers will be invaluable in giving students accessible industry insights as well as raising awareness of their outstanding work.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .