RCA 60 years in fashion

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is celebrating its 60th anniversary in fashion at its annual graduate fashion shows on the 11th and 12th June this year. Founded by former Vogue editor Madge Garland in 1948, the course has provided a platform for many fashion figures over the years.

Over the last six decades many graduates established their own labels or are working for leading international fashion houses. In the 50s David Sassoon, Gina Fratini, Sylvia Ayton were the names on the fashion scene; the following decade was dominated by Ossie Clark, Bill Gibb, Marion Foale; the flower power era Keith Varty (Byblos), Liz Griffiths (Missoni) and Gordon Richardson (Topman) were the fashion designers of the moment. In the 80s Philip Treacy, Eric Bremner (Sportmax), Neil Barrett made their fashion statement, and the last two decennia Christopher Bailey (Burberry), Brian Kirkby (Boudicca), Danny Kearns (Alexander McQueen), Erdem, Marcus Wilmont (Aminakawilmont) established themselves.

The RCA emphasises on individual creativity and originality with technical know-how, ensuring students acquire the skills to stand out from the crowd. Thirty-two postgraduate students in menswear, womenswear, knitwear, accessories, footwear and millinery will showcase garments both on the catwalk and in a static exhibition. Industry collaboration with i.e. Italian tailoring company Brioni, high-street store Oasis and Sportswear label Umbro will be presented at the shows. All shows take place at the Royal College of Art in Kensington Gore, London.

The Royal College of Art is the world’s only wholly postgraduate university of art and design, offering the degrees of MA, MPhil and PhD across the disciplines of fine art, applied art, design, communications and humanities.