Page content

Student Style Extravaganza Takes To The Catwalk At The MAC

31 May 2013

The spectacular University of Ulster end-of-year fashion show steps out in style this year with a change of venue – the MAC, Belfast’s newest creative arts centre.

It’s the first time the traditional fashion extravaganza has left the University’s Belfast campus and the MAC will offer the perfect alternative backdrop to showcase Ulster’s next generation of emerging new designers.

Our top textiles and fashion design students will unveil their stunning catwalk creations next Wednesday evening and industry leaders will be at the forefront, catching a glimpse of Northern Ireland’s best up and coming talent.

Second year students have been given the opportunity to create a diverse and exciting range of eclectic garments, working on several themes developed over the year.

They’ve used a selection of subject matter – ranging from images of Japan to 1960’s Mondrian-inspired outfits and elegant post war trends.

For the final year students, poised for a career in fashion, next Wednesday will be the perfect shop window to exhibit their collections to the public and influential names in this highly competitive industry.

Alison Gault, Ulster’s Course Director, Textile Art, Design and Fashion, said: “This year’s catwalk show includes garments by second and third year students as well as print, macramé and laser cut pieces created by our textile students.

“We have a really strong team of graduate designers including Jenna Mulligan, Orlagh Murdoch and Melissa Gormley who were all finalists in the prestigious Golden Egg Fashion Innovations Awards.

“We will also catch a glimpse of Jessica Brandt who was a finalist in the DIT Vodaphone competition with her ‘Chaotic Earth’ costume collection.

“The collections cover a fabulous range of work, from the totally outrageous to elegant glamour and street chic.”

A rich mix of inspirations derived from all sorts of backgrounds, including ethnic communities and various music genres, has motivated students.

“The show will include Pueblo-inspired knitwear; vibrant colours from the Brazilian carnival scene; the cool jazz culture, worked through tweeds and cottons and folklore-inspired designs, highlighted through beautiful embroidery and cut work,” continued Alison.

“The wealth of creativity is outstanding – the show is an outlet for our second year students looking for placement opportunities and a platform for our final year students to display their unique and individual collections.

“As a team we are delighted to present the designs developed through our amazing workshops, enabling the students to work in print, knit, embroidery, laser cutting and weave to create such a diverse range of final design outcomes.”

Janet Coulter, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design said: “It is befitting this year that the new MAC Arts Studio in The Cathedral Arts area is the backdrop for our fashion show.

“The diverse range of fashion on display illustrates the high standard of innovative design and ingenious pattern engineering that our graduates are capable of.

“Indeed, as a result of their skills, a number of them have already been offered graduate design positions with reputable fashion companies.

“I would encourage everyone to come to our show, enjoy the launch of our young designers and marvel at the originality of one-off creative design pieces on display.”

Stephen King Lecturer in Fashion said: “ New course, new direction and new creations – the individuality is incredible. Colour, lace, sheer, form, knit, weaves, prints and fibres including raffia are all included in the evening event, taking us from grunge to red carpet.”

Tickets are available fromhttps://getinvited.to/ulsterfashion/belfast-school-of-art-graduate-fashion-show/

NOTES TO EDITORS/PICTURE DESKS

The Fashion Show takes place next Wednesday June 5 at 9pm in the MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Cathedral Quarter Belfast

Photographers/camera crews are invited to a photoshoot in the MAC at 4.30pm