We are the headline sponsor for Graduate Fashion Week for the second year running and this year’s event involves 40 universities, 52 courses and 21 catwalk shows.

This year promises to be truly exciting, we’re working with graduates on the theme of Britain in 2012 – the year which includes the Queen’s Jubilee and 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

If you’d like to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

For further details please contact enquires@gfw.org.uk.

Le Thuy is 24 years old and studied Fashion Design at the University of East London. She is originally from Germany but moved to London in 2008.

She has worked with our team at George to create a dress after winning the Graduate Fashion Week ‘People’s Choice Award’ last year which was voted for by viewers of ITV’s This Morning.

Le Thuy has designed a knee length nude base dress with blue embroidery print with a slash neck and floaty short sleeves which is now available on George.com. Her dress is a twist on the classic tea dress, simplifying the more outrageous double-layered maxi from the catwalk show for everyday wear.

Le Thuy told us about her inspirations for the range, “My inspiration came from design elements like the flowers and ornaments from Chinese potteries. I love English afternoon tea, but imagined using Chinese tea sets for it.” She said, “I wanted to fuse them together like ‘the Orient meets West’, but still wanted to look contemporary in my designs.”

We also asked her for some styling tips and she said, “I would suggest to wear it simple with few, because there is already a lot going on with the print on the dress.”

Le Thuy’s styling suggestions:

• For special occasions wear with a short cardigan, a cute hair band, court heels and a small clutch bag – it looks ladylike, feminine and playful.

• For parties wear the dress with coloured court heels and a bold clutch – red if you’re feeling daring.

• For during the day wear with lovely pastel coloured ballerina pumps and pastel coloured accessories.

We’re looking for a mum or dad to join our judging panel for our Graduate Fashion Week Childrenswear Competition later this year.

If you have children and would like to help shape a future fashion range – then enter our latest competition.

The winner will be joined by Fiona Lambert, George Brand Director, Fiona from WGSN, and an editor from leading childrenswear magazine, Junior, to judge the work of some of the most talented young designers in the UK.

The shortlisted ranges will be featured in Graduate Fashion Week, the winner will be announced at the event and get the chance to work with George’s in-house design team to turn their winning range into a collection.

One of last year’s Graduate Fashion Week kidswear competition winners was James Bruce who has just launched his first girlswear collection for George – read his story here.

To enter the competition fill in the form below before Wednesday 11th April. The winner must be free to come to George House in Leicestershire on Tuesday 1st May at 2pm. See full terms and conditions.

Competition update: Congratulations to Lucy Satchell for winning the competition to join the judging panel – we look forward to hearing how you get on.

Fashion student James Bruce was one of the runners-up in our Graduate Fashion Week kidswear competition last year and is the designer behind our latest girlswear collection.

He’s designed a range of bold and colourful floral print dresses for girls aged four to 14 – available in store and online now.

It is his first ever girlswear collection and he’s delighted with the finished result. James, originally from Aberdeen, is currently studying at Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh and is due to graduate this year. He says he loved the whole experience of working with the George team.

“I really enjoyed experiencing a different environment, seeing how the industry works and how clothes come together,” he says. “I found it really interesting – and everyone was really nice!”

The prints in his girlswear collection for George were inspired by one of his previous projects – a floral print collection for womenswear. He says: “I wanted to do something different to what I had done in the past – which for me would have been quite graphic and typically to do with skulls and bones!

“I wanted to push myself and so carried on the painterly floral theme from my ‘commercial but creative’ project. I fully researched clothing for girls aged four to 14 and decided to apply my floral designs to dresses for this age range – perfect for the spring and summer seasons.”

Take a look at his collection:

Rory Longdon scooped the Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week earlier this year with a stunning knitwear collection – and since then he’s been working with our designers to create a fantastic exclusive collection for George that’s out now.

Rory says he’s taken the key silhouettes and fabrics that wowed everyone in his catwalk collection and created designs “for the George woman”.

The new collection – available in stores and online from George.com – is full of cutting edge pieces that feature Rory’s signature exposed zips and gorgeous metallic fabrics. He says: “The collection is all black and metallic to give an androgynous, edgy look. Some of the pieces you can wear with leggings and others you could wear with skinny jeans and wedges.”

The collection includes a funky cropped sweater with a longer back, a tunic with an engineered rib stitch and this knitted cowl neck broad-shouldered poncho – given a gothic twist with metallic embellishment along the neckline.

The poncho looks great paired with the knitted leggings in Rory’s collection – or you can wear it with skinny black jeans or leggings if you’re looking to tone the look down.

Read more - and enter competition to win a piece from the collection

Olivia Hewitt was spotted by our design team when she showed a collection of exotic colours and textured prints at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week and was voted one of our fans’ favourite designers in a competition on Facebook.

Her catwalk collection (pictured left) was inspired by a trip to South-East Asia where she took photos of birds and jewellery and designed prints based on their texture, pattern and detail. She says: “My collection uses lots of layering and delicate prints to create outfits which are eye-catching but comfortable. I used methods of screen-printing, digital print, embellishments and embroidery.”

She joined us for a two-week placement at George to see how the industry works – and here’s what she thought:

“My placement with George has allowed me to see much more of the commercial design and production process, from an initial sketch or drawing to repeats and how to make a design accurate for production.

“During my placement I helped to design prints for spring’s casual jersey tops, taking inspiration from research into current and upcoming catwalk trends, which led me to lots of polka dot and animal prints. I did some hand paintings and created an array of prints experimenting with texture and positioning.

“I’ve previously only designed for myself so it’s exciting that some of my prints might make it onto George clothes.

“Being a part of Graduate Fashion Week was an amazing experience and has opened lots of doors for my future.”

Graduate Fashion Week 2012 will be held from 10th to 13th June next year in Earls Court, London. Find out more details of the event when they’re released on the Graduate Fashion Week website.

Knitwear designer Rory Longdon took the George Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week – and he’s now working with our design team to create an exclusive new collection for George.

Here’s what he told us about his experience so far:

Hi Rory. What have you been up to since winning the George Gold Award?
I’ve been busy doing lots of interviews and press as well as designing the new collection for George, which will be available online and in selected stores from November.

What are you designing for George?
I’m creating a capsule collection that uses the key silhouettes and fabrics from my graduate collection, designed for the George woman. We’ve simplified my designs, which is understandable as some of my catwalk pieces were very labour intensive and could take up to forty hours to create.

Why did you choose to specialise in knitwear?
My interest in knitwear came about on my foundation course. A friend sold me her mum’s old knitting machine and from then on I was hooked. I taught myself to knit and knew then that I wanted to specialise in knitwear. I love being involved in every design process from selecting yarns, creating the fabrics and constructing the garments – it allows you to be extremely creative with your designs.

How would you describe your catwalk collection?
The whole collection was designed to portray futuristic warrior women, armour-like fabrics in a contrast of matte and shine finishes with zips and buckles that give a tough edge to a wearable luxurious knitwear collection.

What was your inspiration?
The inspiration came from research into “Transhumanism”; a scientific movement that improves the capabilities of the human body through the use of technology. I began looking at x-ray photographs of the insides of electronic devices, which heavily influenced my black and silver palette and fabrication.

Do you have any favourite designers or a style icon?
I love what Riccardo Tisci is doing with Givenchy Couture.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style usually consists of shirts, chinos and loafers.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a fashion designer?
Work hard, be creative, push boundaries and believe in your own vision.

What’s next for you?
I’m moving to Italy to work for an Italian fashion house.

In the run-up to Graduate Fashion Week we ran a competition to win tickets for the final gala show.

Naomi Gray was one of the winners and told us she wanted to give the tickets to her daughter Hannah.

Here’s Hannah’s report on the event:

“The gala show was the first fashion show I had ever been to. Yes, I was a fashion show virgin, but what better way to start than with such a unique and creative experience?

“Before the show kicked off British fashion expert and presenter Caryn Franklin pulled all of the graduates onto the stage for a well-deserved round of applause. It was brilliant to see all of the designers because, as Caryn pointed out, they don’t often get to experience what the models do on the catwalk.

“Soon after the graduates left the stage the lights dropped and the show began. It was easy to see from the start that a lot of effort had been put into these pieces and a certain quirky unconventionality that you might not see in current styles shone through. These graduates had the opportunity to let loose and create something different and they took full advantage of that.

“It was easy to tell which pieces were the most popular. The atmosphere was electric and when a collection that was particularly admired hit the catwalk a rush of whispers flooded the room. “I love that one” and “definitely the best so far” were among some of the phrases I overheard.

“My personal favourite was actually the last dress before the show ended – a maxi dress by Lyudmilla Lane from Rochester University.

“I’d like to thank George for the opportunity to go to the show – I really enjoyed the experience!”

Graduate Fashion Week might be over but there’s one last prize up for grabs. We’ve asked George’s Facebook fans to vote for the designer they like best from a shortlist of nine we spotted during the week. The winning designer will get to design a collection for George.com – and you get the chance to buy a designer item at an affordable price! Cast your vote on our Facebook page.

Here’s a bit more about the nine final designers in their own words:

Rachael Cliffe, University of Central Lancashire

“The inspiration for my collection was an article I read in the Sunday Times newspaper – a captivating story about Edison Pena, one of the Chilean miners trapped underground for 67 days. He jogged for miles every day through the harsh conditons of the mines in a fight to keep his health and sanity alive – determind to not let the mountain win. After he was rescued he went on to complete the New York Marathon.

“I found this story a true inspiration which led me to researching miners throughout history and adding sportswear elements to my collection.”

Esther Phillipson, Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art

“I enjoy experiencing different cultures, studying their history and lifestyles, taking different aspects such as colours, textures and shape and incorporating these into my designs. I like to take elements from different cultures and bring them together in one outfit. For example layering fabrics of different textures and using various techniques, for example, knitting. Colour, print and texture are my main areas of interest. I like to create a mixture of all three in many of my designs.

“I have always been excited by knit and how pattern can be formed using different coloured yarns and knitting techniques. The main technique which I use is Fair Isle which is prominent throughout my collection. My designs are all about being fun, full of texture and colour, bold and comfy while being well made. I believe comfort is important in all my garments whether it is due to the cut or to the feel of the fabric.”

Olivia Hewitt, Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art

“I was inspired by my recent trip to South-East Asia, particularly the vivid colours in the hill tribes of Thailand. I took photographs of exotic birds and jewellery and designed prints based on their texture, pattern and detail. I mixed bold geometric prints to make the colours stand out.

“My collection is about layering delicate prints to create outfits which are eye-catching but comfortable. I have used methods of screen-printing, digital print, embellishments and embroidery.”

Shivani Chavda, De Montfort University

“My collection was based on animals and surreal art and is all about metamorphosis and dream imagery with print. I’ve tried to go for an animalistic feel merging into human form and I used fabrics like chiffon and silk to match the fluidity of the colours and lines.

“I like making wearable art, picturing people as a blank canvas. I want people to feel as special as a work of art.”

Charlotte McLennan, UCA, Epsom Fashion

“My ‘Fauxtality’ collection is an adaptable feminine wardrobe for the adventurous and fun-seeking woman. The playful unconventional accessories can be used with the outfits to bring a cheeky facet to the occasion. The natural contours of animals are used in the bags to conceal useful pockets and storage without compromising appeal.

“The collection employs modern printing techniques, specialised leather finishes and popular fabrics to produce impact and desire. Modelled on the world’s most iconic wildlife – lion, elephant, rhino, zebra and scavenger bird – my collection is practical, fun to wear and showcases our amazing diversity of life.”

Kirenjit Sogi, Wiltshire College Salisbury

“A digitally manipulated print summer collection for 2012 in hot shades reflecting the riotous vibrant tones of a Caribbean island escape.

“Clear skies, shimmering azure waters and golden sands combine with exotic flowers, leaning palms and lush tropical cocktails and are collaged together to produce this vibrant colour and print story. Crepe silks and bright jerseys are sunray pleated and wrapped around the body to give a luxurious and sexy collection for crazy summer nights.”

Tania Ada, Nottingham Trent University

“In short my collection is based on the Star Wars sequels. I’ve always been a bit of a sci-fi geek and I thought it would be a great foundation to base a collection on as it appeared to be a source of endless inspiration.

“Focusing on the first installment, A New Hope, I began my research analysing all characters finding the most interest in C-3PO and R2-D2 where I drew much of the inspiration for the colour palette and print ideas, as well as details from the space ships of Princess Leia and Darth Vadar.”

Ume Sacranie, De Montfort University

“My collection is titled the Delinquent Muse and concentrates on the inner persona. Heavy metals, chains and jewellery have been an important influence for this collection. It is a gothic inspired compilation of outfits that includes heavily beaded pieces alongside hand drawn embroideries.

“Statement pieces from the collection include all-over chain dresses that turn accessories into wearable garments. The collection consists of luxury fine leathers alongside intricate chains and glass hand beadwork with gothic influences using coque bird feathers. Finishes for the collection are influenced by its styling, with black strappy platform heels and luxury leather bags, with studded spikes running alongside”

Abi Swann, Kingston University

“My collection – The American Diner – is a real taste of the USA at its most friendly and kitsch. Although each diner may at first appear the same, on closer inspection they contain the most beautiful colours, strange and futuristic textures and fine attention to detail.

“Through sketching the architecture and researching the American culture that surrounded the diners while at their height of popularity in the 1950s, I have designed a fun, feminine and slightly futuristic collection. State-of-the-art laser-cutting creates clean lines, built-up layers and ceramic floor tiling inspired patterns using silks, pvc and organza.”

Menswear award winner Felix Chabluck Smith says he loves designing menswear because there are “more rules” than designing for womenswear.

“Some people find that restrictive but the rules give menswear designers a real power,” says Felix. “Just by altering the fit of a pair of trousers or putting a certain colour on a guy can say so much.”

Earlier in the week we caught up with Felix backstage as he watched his collection on the catwalk for this first time. Watch this video to see his reaction:

You can see more of Felix’s portfolio on Edinburgh University’s blog on Artsthread collection on fashion blog Artsthread.

George Gold Award Winner
Winner: Rory Longdon, Nottingham Trent University
The Judges said: “A bold yet simple idea translated into a stunning collection that was instantly wearable. It was cohesive and immaculately constructed with outstanding craftsmanship.”

Womenswear Award
Winner: Marissa Owen, University of Central Lancashire
The Judges said: “An intelligent concept that was playful, exuberant, and beautifully executed in vibrant colours and print.”

Menswear Award Winner: Felix Chabluk Smith The Judges said: “The winner was chosen because of their clever use of historic patterns, rewritten with a romantic narrative and a modern execution and excellent construction.”

International Award
Winner: Christina Economu, Marangoni Paris
The judges said: “An accomplished collection of separates that create a balanced look of harmonised mixed up prints with a touch of traditional finesse.”

Shortlisted: Cindy M Warsono, La Salle
Shortlisted: Wang Li Xuang, Marangoni Milan

See more of the winners

Knitwear designer Rory Longdon of Nottingham Trent University has scooped the top prize of Graduate Fashion Week – the George Gold Award – at the final gala show for the cream of the crop of this year’s fashion students.

George’s head of design Sadie Robson, who’s been at the catwalk for every single show this week, says Rory “pushed the boundaries” of knitwear.

She says: “It was really refined knitwear – beautiful lines. There was a fluidity to the collection. Often you see lots of heavy chunky knitwear collections but this was really refined.”

This was the judges’ verdict: “Rory’s bold yet simple idea translated into a stunning collection that was instantly wearable.

“It was cohesive and immaculately constructed with outstanding craftsmanship.”

When he graduates Rory plans to continue his studies by going to the Royal College of Art to do an MA in Fashion Womenswear specialising in knitwear.

The awards are the culmination of a week that’s been a fantastic showcase for young fashion talent in the UK. It’s the first time George has sponsored Graduate Fashion Week – and our brand director Fiona Lambert (below right) was onstage tonight to present the Gold Award.

Felix Chabluk Smith from Edinburgh College of Art picked up the Menswear Award for his tailored collection of menswear. The judges loved his “clever use of historic patterns, rewritten with a romantic narrative and a modern execution and excellent construction.” Sadie was particularly impressed by his “fantastic detailing” and the way the clothes were made up.

Felix himself says he loves designing menswear because he likes the rules you need to work within compared to designing for womenswear. Earlier in the week we caught up with him backstage as he watched his collection modelled on the catwalk for the first time – watch the video and find out more.

The Womenswear Award went to Marissa Owen from the University of Central Lancashire for her vibrant, colourful collection of layered and clashing prints. The judges described Marissa’s collection as “playful, exuberant, and beautifully executed in vibrant colours and print.”

Sadie says she was gripped from the moment she saw Marissa’s collection: “She had unbelievable catwalk presence. The first outfit was a fabulous padded kimono. Vibrant colours, beautiful prints, it absolutely deserved to win.”

Congratulations to Rory and all tonight’s other winners – see the full list of winners.

One of the big awards was voted for by viewers of ITV’s This Morning programme. Jason Gardiner was there to present the special Viewers’ Award to Le Thuy Le Thi from the University of East London. Jason was one of the many celebs who turned up for the event – check out the gallery below to see some more of the stunning designs from the gala show as well as some of the celebrity arrivals.

Graduate Fashion Week is 20 years old this year and we caught up with founder Jeff Banks CBE ahead of tonight’s gala show. He will be hosting the gala show together with Caryn Franklin and he says he already thinks there will be “one or two” designers from this year who will become global stars.

Jeff set up Graduate Fashion Week after a designer from Brighton University approached him to say it was unfair that London fashion students got all the fashion jobs in London because they could hold their end of year shows there. He’d approached him because Jeff had just staged the first Smirnoff awards for fashion students at the Albert Hall and asked if he could borrow the same catwalk for Graduate Fashion Week. The first winner of Graduate Fashion Week was Chris Bailey who is now Creative Director at Burberry.

Tonight’s other presenters include Carol White, head of Premier model agency, Sophie Ellis Bextor, and George Brand Direcor Fiona Lambert.

We’ve just announced the winner of our Childrenswear Design Competition who is – Kirsty Watson from Northumbria University.

The judges who shortlisted the nominees last month were impressed by the way Kirsty not only designed her boyswear collection but also made the garments and created a marketing campaign for it. Watch the video above to see her reaction. James Bruce and Emma Byford received highly commended awards for their childrenswear designs.

The competition was open to all second year students and we asked them to design a childrenswear range for George. The entries were judged by George Brand Director Fiona Lambert, our Head of Design Sadie Robson, WGSN’s Head of Childrenswear Fiona Coleman, and Junior magazine Editor Catherine O’Dolan. Kirsty’s designs will now be produced by George.

Announcing the winners Sadie says: “We feel so strongly that childrenswear and creativity form an integral part of our business going forward, and because we’re here sponsoring Graduate Fashion Week we created a competition for second year students that covers everything – from design to marketing and graphics. We were blown away by the standard of work we received and had a great time going through them all.”

Find out more about our finalists’ entries.

It’s the final day of Graduate Fashion Week and everybody is busy planning their outfits for tonight’s star-studded gala shows and awards.

The judges have been locked in a room all morning interviewing the fashion design students shortlisted for the George Gold Award.

Throughout the week the judging panel – George Brand Director Fiona Lambert, George Head of Design Sadie Robson, Graduate Fashion Week Trustee Wendy Dagworthy, Head of Womenswear for Paul Smith Sandra Hill and Mark Eley of Eley Kishimoto – have been watching the shows and shortlisting their favourite collections. The final results will be kept under lock and key until the second gala show this evening – the overall winner will receive £20,000 to kickstart their career in fashion.

We’ve just announced the winner of our Childrenswear Design competition who is Kirsty Watson from Northumbria (pictured right with runners-up and George’s Head of Design Sadie Robson) for her collection of boyswear.

She not only designed the garments but also made the clothes and presented the marketing campaign – find out more and watch her reaction.

With no shows going on during the day today it’s quite quiet on the university exhibitors’ stands at Earl’s Court but three final year students from Bath Spa were taking the opportunity to look at other people’s portfolios for inspiration on how to present their work.

Hope Burridge says: “We’re looking at the best ones who’ve been nominated to see why. We’ve got our portfolios and interviews to go to so we’re looking for ideas on how to present our work – these have got their own books whereas we’ve just got portfolio folders. They stand out more.”

The students have been playing a version of the “Yellow mini game” throughout the week – Hope says: “We’ve been punching each other every time we see someone wearing dip-dyed or a top knot. We’ve had quite a lot of punches!”

On the UCA Rochester stand there has been sewing demonstrations all week to celebrate their new Fashion Atelier course and their show incorporated live sewing on stage. It’s the only couture course in the UK and the first students will be graduating this year.

Anne Reimers, a fashion theory tutor at UCA Rochester, says that unlike the fashion design students the atelier students have to design and make their outfits for the catwalk show.

Leeds College of Art is not taking part in the shows this year but its stand has been attracting plenty of visitors.

Course tutor Gemma Moran says the stand was inspired by a “Sketchbook theme” and shows the two different BA Fashion degrees at Leeds – Fashion Design and Fashion Innovation.

She’s going to the gala show tonight and says: “I’m really looking forward to it. You get to see the cream of the crop.” Her favourites of the gala show nominees are Northumbria and Westminster.

We’ll be reporting from the final gala shows with details of all the winners and the celebrities so check back here later.

In the meantime, have a look at some of the visitors that have come to our George stand over the course of the day to gain inspiration and get their portfolios reviewed.