Birmingham fashion designer Gavin Douglas has been announced today as the winner of
Fashion Fringe 2006, after impressing an international jury chaired by Tom Ford. Gavin’s
innovative and inspired collection was brought to light at a spectacular catwalk final on the
last day of London Fashion Week.
Marketing Director, Dave Hodgson, Marketing Birmingham said: “Gavin’s win makes it the
second year in a row that a fashion designer from Birmingham has scooped the fashion
industry’s most coveted prize for new designers. In 2005 Erdem Moralioglu walked off with
the first prize and now retails his clothes in the world’s premier fashion stores including
Harrods in London and Barneys in New York. Its a fantastic achievement for Gavin that firmly
puts Birmingham on the world’s fashion map and demonstrates how our Rising Stars fashion
campaign is raising awareness of the next generation of fashion talent.”
As sponsor of the Rising Stars campaign, Stephen Reynolds, Development Director for
Masshouse Developments Ltd, said: “We are proud to be supporting a campaign which
celebrates the creative talent and energy that is driving Birmingham’s transformation. Gavin
Douglas has already received media coverage in Vogue and The Daily Telegraph, so people
outside of the city can be inspired that we have the graduate talent retained here in
Birmingham that is vital for the city’s future prosperity.”
Fashion Fringe was established in 2004 by Colin Mc Dowell and IMG, global sports,
entertainment and media company, to discover, encourage and support new fashion
designers in the UK. Now in its third year it sees as its continuing role mentoring and
giving valuable business support to each year’s winner.
Gavin was one of four finalists who showcased ten looks and were judged in the areas of
hanger appeal, sustainability, wearability, creativity and originality. Gavin had just over
three months to complete a collection for Spring Summer, 2007 under the guidance of
industry experts and with the creative input of international hair and make up stylists from
L’Oréal Paris.
This year’s international judging panel brought together fashion experts across media,
design and buying. Judging with Tom Ford, the panel included: Nick Knight, Giles Deacon,
Alannah Weston, Hamish Bowles, Hilary Alexander & Sarah Mower.
On being announced the winner, Gavin was momentarily speechless: “I’m over the moon.
It is an amazing opportunity to take my work to the next level. After all the years of hard
work it’s a dream come true.”
Gavin is set to receive legal, technical and business support, as well as development
grants from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise at the London of College of Fashion & IMG,
to help him launch and build his new fashion company in London. Gavin’s collection will
also be sold at international fashion etailer Yoox.com with access to a global marketplace.
Gavin had assistance from The Prince's Trust to launch his label, which won him London's
Avant-Garde Designer of the Year in 2004. The label debuted on the catwalk at Caribbean
Fashion Week the following year and has now taken him to the final of the 2006 Fashion
Fringe competition. Gavin says, “The clothing that I create is individual and is influenced by
many sources including popular culture, music and historical references.”
Ends
Attached : profile of Gavin Douglas in an interview for Marketing Birmingham.
For further information and visuals, please contact Tracey Saunders, Head of PR & Corporate
Affairs, Marketing Birmingham on 0121 202 5002 or email us.
Notes to editors
- Gavin Douglas clothes are stocked at Urban Species Unit 29A The Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road London Tel: 0207 267 9672.
- The 2005 Fashion Fringe trophy went to 28 year-old designer Erdem Moralioglu with
a stand-out, part-computer designed collection he described as "a cross between
Helena Bonham-Carter in A Room With A View' meets a kind of late 70s Studio 54."
http://www.erdem.co.uk.
Gavin Douglas : Personal Profile
How would you describe your clothing?
The label “Gavin Douglas” is an urban designer label that offers fashionable clothing with a
difference. The cut, fabric and silhouette of each garment have all been carefully researched
and are directly aimed at those who wish to express their individuality through clothing.
Why did you want to become a fashion designer?
I have always been designing and making things since I was a child. I have always been
interested in art and design and took art and design subjects at school within my final years
there. I then went on to study at college and my career in fashion evolved from then
onwards.
Who or what are your influences?
Rush 48, my last collection was been styled around the SS Windrush Ship, which was the first major ship to bring people from the Caribbean to settle in the United Kingdom in June 1948. I often use historical concepts to inspire my work. My most recent collection for Fashion Fringe has evolved from an exhibition called Black Victorians.
Where did you study?
I have studied at Dartmouth High School, Sutton Coldfield College and Northampton
University and have obtained a National Diploma in Design and a BA (HONS) Degree in
Fashion and Textiles.
Have you won any awards for your designs??
I have been awarded Young Avant-Garde Designer of the Year 2004. The London Fashion
Forum, The New Nation Newspaper and Tyler Media, who represent Caribbean Fashion
Week, supported this event. This event was held to celebrate up and coming fashion
designers within the Afro Caribbean Community in coincidence with Black History Month.
Where have you exhibited your work?
In June 2005 I showcased my debut collection at Caribbean Fashion Week 2005 held in
Kingston Jamaica alongside some of the Caribbean’s most coveted fashion designers
including Cedella Marley and Jessica Ogden. This debut collection was showcased in a runway presentation to an international audience of press and fashion editors receiving positive media coverage internationally. More recently I exhibited at Barbados Fashion Week 2006.
As part of the 2005 Black History Season, Gavin Douglas took part in the Mayor of London’s
Kulture2Couture. This is a high profile initiative aimed at celebrating, showcasing and
promoting the artistic and creative talents of fashion designers.
I am currently exhibiting work at the Black British Style Exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This exhibition is the first of its kind in the UK and highlights the variety of lifestyles that co-exist in black culture, focusing on dress but also incorporating music, photography and film.
What advise do you have to offer fellow designers trying to break into the fashion
market?
Self-belief, dedication and discipline are very important in the fashion industry and in helping
to succeed.
Money no object what would you like to design and for who?
I’d like to design for Mary J Blige for a red carpet event.
What style will be big in 2007?
Anything from my label!
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