London Fashion Week first for University for the Creative Arts(UCA)

Lucinda Roberts has made history as the first current student from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) to show at London Fashion Week.

The 22-year-old, who is in the third year of a BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree at UCA Rochester, was a finalist of a student competition organised by Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) at Fashion Scout last night (19 February 2013).

Lucinda, from Buxton, Derbyshire, said: “It’s really
surreal to actually be up here at London Fashion Week (LFW). It’s an event that every designer dreams about showcasing their collections at the top of their careers, so it is unreal to have the opportunity to show here while still at university.

“It was amazing to see my clothes go down the runway as I’ve never seen anything of mine on a proper model – let alone a major fashion show – so it was really good to see how my garments look going down the catwalk and to see peoples’ reaction to my work.

“This has been a fantastic experience and I’ve learned so much from it all. I’d love to have my own label and be a regular at LFW one day and this has given me a great taste of what it could be like.”

UCA graduates Christopher Raeburn and Raffaele Ascione, as well as lecturers Marcus Wilmont and Jean-Pierre Braganza, showed their latest collections during this month’s LFW but Lucinda is the first current student to show at the world-famous fashion event.

Donna Ives, UCA Fashion Design course leader, said: “London Fashion Week is the pinnacle of the fashion world so this is a fantastic experience and accolade for Lucinda.

“Lots of our graduates and tutors show at LFW but Lucinda is the first current student from UCA to show here so it’s very exciting for all of us.

“I thought her garments looked amazing on the catwalk and both outfits were sophisticated and incredibly clever.

“The FAD competition gives students a truly unique experience outside of university and gives them a taste of what they can expect in the industry.”

Lucinda’s collection was in inspired by minimalist architecture and features clean lines, sharp corners and cut-outs to create two unique designs.

Described by Vogue as an ‘undeniable springboard’ the FAD Competition has a track record of showcasing and supporting young talent from a broad range of institutions and backgrounds.

More than 100 students submitted their designs this year but only 15 get to bring their sketches to life and show them on the catwalk in front of a panel of judges at LFW. Stephanie Kitchen from Bath Spa won first prize.

Lucinda said: “Winning the overall competition would have been a bonus but I’m really just so happy to be selected for the final and to say that I’ve shown here.

“I feel like I’ve learned so much more than designing and making garments for a fashion contest – it’s given me a unique insight into the fashion industry, for example press and publicity, which will really help me in the future.

“I think it’s great that UCA encourages us to enter these high-profile competitions and forge relationships within the industry while still at university because that’s where we want to end up.

UCA’s Fashion School has produced household names including Karen Millen and Zandra Rhodes. Two graduates recently designed for the likes of Rihanna, Kanye West Katy Perry and Cheryl Cole in Sky Living’s Styled to Rock and in 2009 Myrto Stamou won the prestigious Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week.