Major Exhibition Win For Fashion Student
25 October 2012
Fashion Studies' Aduu Juma Masudi, holding his winner's trophy, and 'Young Designer' Competition Ambassador Hilary Alexander at the Fast Fashion London exhibition.
Fiona Hawthorne, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies at the University of Derby.
Aduu and his winning fashion collection.
A University of Derby fashion student is Paris-bound after winning an international trade exhibition's first ever Young Designer competition.
Aduu Juma Masudi - who completed his Derby Fashion Studies degree course this summer (2012) - was one of five designers who exhibited at the Fast Fashion London trade exhibition, held at London Olympia this week (October 23-24). The event attracts major UK buyers and designers such as Arcadia, Christopher Kane, Monsoon, Marks & Spencer and New Look.
Entrants, who had to be 2012 final year students, had their work judged by a panel of industry experts - including Competition Ambassador and fashion guru Hilary Alexander - key retailers and media.
Aduu's win means he will receive a trip for two to Paris, which includes entry to the 'Made in France' fashion fair (April 10-11, 2013) and €500 to go shopping in one of the world's fashion hotspots.
Aduu, 23, from Birmingham, said: "It was really scary when the judges were looking at the five collections. They were amazed I'd made my collection myself as other finalists had had theirs made up by someone else.
"When I was presenting my collection Hilary Alexander asked about the selling costs of the garments and luckily I had my technical files with me. The judges were impressed with this practical approach, saying I'd 'come ready to sell'."
Aduu worked for Ozwald Boateng and All Saints' menswear design, both in London, during his degree course. He is currently working for the Emporio Armani store in Birmingham.
Fiona Hawthorne, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies at the University of Derby, added: "This is a great achievement for Aduu and shows the strength of the course here at Derby. It is really important we teach our students the many skills needed for the fashion industry.
"It was clear from Aduu's presentation that he had produced outfits ready to sell and was clear on the retail value, which obviously really impressed the judging panel. The collection was a strong concept which he developed during the final year of his degree, and included a high level of pattern development and print to really support his theme.
"It goes without saying how proud we in the Fashion team are of his outstanding achievement."
For more information about the University of Derby's Fashion Studies courses go to www.derby.ac.uk/courses/fashion-studies-ba-hons
For more information about the Fast Fashion Tour contest see web link www.fastfashiontour.com/en/young-designer-competition
For further press information please contact Sean Kirby, Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: s.kirby@derby.ac.uk
