Marking the launch of the first ever international chapter (outside London) of Graduate Fashion Week International (GFWi), the Fashion Design Council of India willpresent an all-new edition of Pearl Academy x Graduate Fashion Week International. The two powerhouses in fashion education, Pearl Academy and GFWi will come together to present an elevated talent showcase from fashion students across the globe on 16th October at the upcoming season of FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai.
Featuring collections from exceptionally talented students across the top 27 fashion design schools from around the world, the showcase will embrace diversity whilst decentralising fashion. Students from these schools will approach fashion from different perspectives, influenced by their individual thought-process, cultural and societal setting, and forms of expression.
“Our aim along with Pearl Academy has always been to give young designers a stage to showcase their talent and this landmark collaboration with Graduate Fashion Week International will help break down borders and bring the best of global design talent to the fore. This international showcase will witness an array of cultures to the runway with students from across the globe putting their best foot forward. We look forward to seeing this exceptional presentation at the upcoming season of FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai,” said Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI.
Speaking about the showcase, Antonio Maurizio Grioli, Dean, School of Fashion and Design, Pearl Academy says, “We at Pearl Academy are proud to collaborate with Graduate Fashion Week International – a global stage that showcases some of the world’s best creative talent and offers unique opportunities to Fashion and Design Graduates globally. It’s two powerhouses of fashion education coming together for a platform like FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week, Mumbai which only makes this opportunity truly international. With Pearl hosting GFWi this year and showcasing some of its best work alongside 27 other globally renowned Fashion Schools at FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week adds another important milestone for us. I’m looking forward to breaking some barriers with our work and having important conversations, which will set the course for the Fashion Industry globally.”
Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy added, “This is the first time that a successful event like GWFi is going Global and we at Pearl Academy are proud to partner with the GFWi which continues to grow and expand its worldwide reputation as the largest and most comprehensive platform for fashion talent in the world. The world around us has changed, these are different times for us, our industry and especially our students. Creative students are not only constantly looking for inspiration but also ready to take on new challenges and push beyond conventions. And who better than GFWi which represents and embodies the same.”
Joy Campbell, Graduate Fashion Foundation Director & Head of Brand Partnerships said, “The launch of Graduate Fashion Week International means that not only can we continue to elevate exceptional international talents, but we will also facilitate important conversations on a global stage around fashion education and the future of the fashion industry that our amazing young talents will be a pivotal part of. Of course, we are also looking forward to representing our UK schools as winners from our Catwalk Awards will also have their collections shown, we are so excited to be partnering with the brilliant Pearl Academy for the first GFWi and can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter of the Graduate Fashion Foundation.”
