A dress created by a budding fashion designer from the University of Central Lancashire will feature in a prestigious campaign introducing emerging graduate designers from across the UK.
Final year fashion design student Noel Peel is one of 54 designers selected from 25 UK universities to be included in the annual Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF) Talent of Tomorrow photoshoot.
As well as shining a spotlight on promising new designers, GFF also gave 49 students from 25 UK member universities the opportunity to art direct, style and photograph the professional shoot, under the guidance of industry mentors. This allowed not only the designers to shine, but also the creative teams who work together to produce the final images.
Noel’s environmentally conscious dress, which was inspired by the natural decay process of fabrics, was made from recycled fabrics, including vintage doilies, and natural dyes.
I’m really excited to be part of the Talent of Tomorrow campaign and see my work brought to life in a professional photoshoot.– Fashion design student Noel Peel
The 21-year-old said: “I’m really excited to be part of the Talent of Tomorrow campaign and see my work brought to life in a professional photoshoot.
“It wasn’t easy handing over my work to a new team to execute their own vision, but I’m delighted with the final outcome and feel very proud of what I’ve produced.”
The dress Noel submitted for the campaign is one of a four-piece collection that will take centre stage as part of the annual Graduate Fashion Week catwalk in June.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment since first year” he said. “To see my work on stage in front of so many industry professionals provides a golden opportunity and a fitting end to three years of hard work.”
To see my work on stage in front of so many industry professionals provides a golden opportunity and a fitting end to three years of hard work.– Fashion design student Noel Peel
Sustainability is a key theme running throughout Noel’s collection, including the use of zero waste and creative pattern cutting techniques plus upcycling vintage lace and deadstock fabrics to create a bold statement.
“I suppose I’ve been on a journey with my work and I’ve achieved things I didn’t think I was capable of,” he said. “I think most creatives suffer from imposter syndrome so to be included in the Talent of Tomorrow campaign gives me confidence and credibility.”
Creating the campaign this way allows multiple students to build their portfolios and CV whilst networking with other future creatives of the fashion industry. The showcased designs ranged from sustainable materials and avant-garde silhouettes to culturally inspired pieces, offering a glimpse into the vibrant creativity that GFW nurtures every year.
The final collections produced for 2025 is of the highest calibre and the campaign is truly original and extraordinary, reflecting the talent that our British universities produce.– Nicola Hitchens, GFF Charity Director and Head of Special Projects at Graduate Fashion Foundation
Nicola Hitchens, GFF Charity Director and Head of Special Projects at Graduate
Fashion Foundation said, “The final collections produced for 2025 is of the highest calibre and the campaign is truly original and extraordinary, reflecting the talent that our British universities produce.
“This project was a fantastic way in giving the graduating year an opportunity to both work upon, and produce a professional shoot. It was inspiring to see so many students from different degree courses and UK universities working together collaboratively.
“We feel very passionately about letting the talent of the degree courses shine. By giving the reigns for the shoot direction, location, style and hair and make-up looks, we see new and innovative work emerge to shake up the British fashion scene.”
Graduate Fashion Week is the largest showcase of BA fashion in the world, with over 95 of the most influential and inspiring UK and international universities and colleges on show.
It provides a fantastic opportunity to see the freshest talent from 26 different fashion disciplines. The event attracts a wide array of top industry professionals, press and recruiters from UK and abroad who use this opportunity to discover talent, as well as offer exciting graduate employment and placements opportunities.
