In a bid to support the design stars of the future, Marks & Spencer (M&S) has selected two students to create iconic pieces for its Best of British collections. M&S heads of design have selected Lauren Field from Ravensbourne College in Greenwich, and Chanel Folkes from Nottingham Trent University, to create a signature womenswear and menswear garment for the autumn/winter Best of British range, which will involve working at the M&S Studio in fashion Street, Shoreditch, where the garment samples will be created. A limited run of their designs will then be sold online in Marble Arch in the autumn.
Additionally, Lauren and Chanel will also be undertaking a three-month internship at M&S, giving them invaluable experience of work in the fashion business.
Neil Hendy, Head of Design in M&S Womenswear said “This is all about strengthening our ties with upcoming design talent. Lauren and Chanel both showed an incredible enthusiasm for fashion, strong commercial nous and a really good understanding of our brand and our customer. They’ll now have the chance to see their work go from sketch to finished garment stage and then on sale in store and M&S.com. We’re really looking forward to working with them very soon.”
“A huge congratulations to lauren and Chanel. It’s encouraging to see young design talent being given the opportunity to shine on such a vast platform. Marks & Spencer is renowned for its efforts to invest in best practice at every stage of its production and this project will give students the opportunity to see that process first hand.” - Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council
Lauren and Chanel will be using their winning entries as the starting point for the signature designs to be showcased to press in May.
Image Credit: Chanel Folkes – Menswear Winner