Harrods is committed to supporting new design talent and eager to discover the next generation of designers. Harrods is keen to build on its existing promotion of contemporary collections, which for Spring Summer 04 includes many designers showing at London Fashion Week: Hussein Chalayan, Jonathan Saunders, Sophia Kokasalaki, Tata-Naka, and Temperley to name a few.
In the past Harrods has successfully launched the early collections of John Galliano, Philip Treacy and Roland Mouret by recognizing the importance of building creative and commercial partnerships with new designers at the beginning of their careers. Harrods would like to continue to identify innovative design through this partnership with Central Saint Martins.
The MA Fashion Course at Central Saint Martins is a taught course of international reputation specifically for graduates who wish to pursue long-term careers in fashion, textile and communication industries. The course offers womenswear, menswear, knitwear and journalism, aiming to produce professional and individual designers and communicators.
On conclusion of the fashion show, one of the students will be recognized for their outstanding work and will receive the Harrods Award for Innovative Design. Harrods will give a prize of a thousand pounds to the winner and showcase the work of the winning designer in a front window of the store. Averyl Oates, Womenswear Fashion Director at Harrods, is delighted that through this continued involvement with Central Saint Martins, Harrods can help to encourage and promote young designers at the forefront of fashion.