Trio praised by Executive Creative Director of brand

THREE students from the Department of Apparel are celebrating after their work was praised Stuart Vevers, Executive Creative Director of the luxury American label Coach.

All students were invited to design a capsule collection of six outfits fitting the description of “new luxury”.

They were asked to explore what luxury means to the next generation, investigate what is considered as luxurious in today’s consumer market and ask what is the future of luxury?

The winning portfolio was created by Amy Astley, with runner-up portfolios by Lauren Bennett and Rebecca Smith.
The prizes were presented by Alison Welsh, Head of the Department of Apparel at the Fashion, Design Technology fashion show, which took place this week at Halle St Peters, in Ancoats.

Stuart very generously sent the runners up small leather accessories and gave the winner Amy a beautiful embroidered coach saddle bag.

Stuart said: “There was a good standard all round. Amy really got the references, she picked up on what I spoke to the students about on my visit. Also her references were cool - hers was the boldest.

“I was very happy to be part of the project and wish all the graduates success in the future!”

Senior lecturer John Earnshaw, who organised the competition, said: “We are incredibly lucky to work exclusively on a project with Coach, a luxury brand with a huge heritage and following. It was great to have Stuart Vevers visit Manchester Met and brief the students, live briefs are so valuable to our course and our students’ portfolios and provide industry relevance to the work.

“Congratulations to the three students, they have worked hard and should be proud of their achievements.”