MMU student receives top award at Graduate Fashion Week

Manchester is filled with talented designers, but the latest fashionista to join the ranks is student Jasmin Bourne, who received the top prize at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week.

After studying at MMU’s Manchester Fashion Institute, Jasmin’s hard work was recognised as she received the prestigious Christopher Bailey Collection of the Year Award.

She embraced her British and Fijian heritage when creating her garments, which aimed to explore the concept of ‘interwoven’ and diverse ancestral stories to tackle stigma towards race and cultural differences.

Jasmin used repurposed fabrics and recycled denim to ensure sustainability within her project, and researched traditional Fijian practices such as basket weaving and tapa cloth to inspire her designs.

When speaking to MMU, Jasmin said: “I’m just in shock, it’s such an unbelievable feeling to win this award.”

“I’ve felt like such an underdog at times, especially on a course filled with so many talented friends, so this moment feels surreal.”

The award was selected from over 3,500 of the country’s leading young designers and presented during a livestreamed awards show at the end of June.

The Christopher Bailey Collection of the Year Award looks for exceptionally creative ability in design, cut, craftsmanship, use of colour and fabric, all of which Jasmin demonstrated in her acclaimed collection.

“I absolutely would not be in this position without my tutors going above and beyond to mentor and guide me”, said Jasmin, who is incredibly grateful for the skills and support provided by Manchester Fashion Institute during her degree.

Graduate Fashion Week attracts top industry professionals and recruiters every year and is responsible for launching the careers of famed designers such as Stella McCartney and Giles Deacon.

We can’t wait to see what this talented local student gets up to next.