Continuing our partnership with the Spring Summer 24 'Acknowledgements' collection presented at The British Library, Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia led the judging day for the Fashion Research Competition hosted by the British Fashion Council.
The role taken on by Priya Ahluwalia included providing the creative brief in reference to the themes drawing upon the notions of 'Hidden Figures', aligned with the inspiration behind the SS24 collection. With hundreds of submission from students from the British College Council across the UK, Priya reviewed their applications that led to selecting the top 6 finalists to present their work at the British Library on the 18th January 2024.
On the much anticipated day, Priya alongside Stylist & Consultant Nell Kalonji, Head of Designer Initiative and membership Katie Rawl, Curator Silvija Aurylaite and Communications Consultant Kate Brindley came together to judge the top 6 student's presentations during the afternoon. After a long deliberation, the five women made their selection with a unanimous decision.
The evening followed with a panel discussion with the judges surrounding Ahluwalia’s SS24 'Acknowledgements’ collection, looking at ‘Hidden Figures’ within the creative industries and how the British Library remains a crucial place to discover these unsung talents.
Finally, the award ceremony with guests presented he winner of the British Library Staff Portfolio Vote, Ellie Jone who received a £150 Waterstones Voucher and the winner of the competition, Diekola Arisekola who received a £3000 cash prize.
Explore highlights from the day below.
From the left; Communications Consultant Kate Brindley, Creative Director and Founder Priya Ahluwalia, Stylist & Consultant Nell Kalonji, and Curator Silvija Aurylaite.
Priya Ahluwalia wearing our SS23 Mombasa denim jacket & jeans and Nell Kalonji wearing our SS24 Kuti knitted crew and AW23 Jak wide leg trousers.
Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia presents the award to the winner of the Fashion Research Competition, Diekola Arisekola.
From the left; winner of the British Library Staff Vote, Ellie Jone, Creative Director and Founder Priya Ahluwalia and Diekola Arisekola.
Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia alongside Stylist & Consultant Nell Kalonji, Head of Designer Initiative and membership Katie Rawl, Curator Silvija Aurylaite, Communications Consultant Kate Brindley with the winners Ellie Jone and Diekola Arisekola.