JEFF BANKS PRESENTS GRADUATE FASHION WEEK GALA

The twentieth anniversary of Graduate Fashion Week saw Jeff reuniting with Carlyn Franklyn to present the Gala Evening. Sixty universities including many from abroad converged on London's Earls Court to show the work of over 1200 graduating students.

As usual the week was punctuated with the Awards Gala Ceremony. There was a packed house of the great and the good of the Fashion Industry. The charge was led by Fiona Lambert Brand Director of George, this year’s title sponsor. Fiona has been fantastic for this year’s event not only encouraging students but also corralling members of the industry to get more involved with the event.

Fiona was joined on stage by iconic designer of Biba, Barbra Hulanicki, creative director of Mulberry Emma Hill, chanteuse Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Heidi from The Sugababes. As usual the standard was incredibly high confirming Britain as the centre of the hub in the development of young design talent in the fashion world.

Jeff and Caryn guided everyone through the evening with their usual wit and silky smoothness. Jeff's personal high point was The David Band Textile Award. Named in memory of his old friend who sadly passed away earlier this year. It was great that David's mum and dad Margaret and Charlie could be there having travelled from Scotland to see the award presented.

The event was rounded of with a worthy winner Rory Langdon from Nottingham Trent University. He scooped the award of Student Designer of the Year along with a cheque for £20,000.

Nice one Rory and well done!