GCU Fashion Showcase unveils stunning 2019 collection

A sustainable fashion range created from excess cashmere waste and a collection designed to raise awareness of homelessness in Glasgow lit up the runway at the 2019 GCU Fashion Show.

This year’s showcase of the best fashion design work of students at Glasgow Caledonian University featured collaborations with brands such as Begg & Co, The Blankfaces and Radisson RED.

The catwalk show, held in the Garment Factory in the Merchant City, included a sustainable clothing range made from production waste from cashmere weavers Alex Begg.

A streetwear collection inspired by listening to first-hand accounts of what life is like on the streets of Glasgow city centre was also one of the highlights.

Student designers visited the Lodging House Mission shelter, in the Gallowgate, as part of a project with non-profit fashion label The Blankfaces, which raises money to tackle homelessness.

Dean Liggett, lecturer in fashion production at GCU, said: “It was eye-opening and inspirational for the students to hear first-hand some of the stories from Glasgow’s homeless community.

“Their desire to relay these stories through design in a respectful manner led to some incredibly original and creative designs."

Gerard McKenzie-Govan, founder of The Blankfaces, said: “The project has helped break down barriers between the students and homeless people.

“Every design is unique because it tells the story of an individual. As well as showcasing the students’ design talent, the collection allows these stories to be heard for the first time.”

The sustainable fashion collection saw fourth-year students incorporate waste cashmere, wool, angora, and silk from Alex Begg scarves and throws into new designs.

Ian Whiteford, sustainability manager at Alex Begg, said: "It has been invaluable to have fresh eyes look at our excess production materials and to imagine what they might become.

"We greatly appreciate the students’ time, creative flair and application of their course learning in this project and we are very excited about the results.”

Gender neutral garments, produced for a project with Radisson RED, and a range of hand embellished silk kimonos also featured on the runway and were available for sale on the night.

Wood used for the sets at the show is being donated to The Community Volunteer charity to be recycled as planters.

Linda Shearer, head of Fashion, Marketing, Tourism, and Events at GCU, said: “The students have been working with several leading brands this year and have produced some truly exceptional work.

“We are proud and excited to once again celebrate the achievements of our students.”