FASHION DUO GEORGE JENKINS & LUKE ARCHER NAMED ‘ALFA ROMEO YOUNGDESIGNERS OF THE YEAR 2013’ AT ST ANDREWS CHARITY FASHION SHOW
BA Fashion students Luke Archer (23) and George Jenkins (22) have been named winners of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer of the Year Award 2013. The postgraduate pair were presented with the award following a judging ceremony in St Andrews, Scotland, before their five-piece collection joined the other finalist designs on the catwalk at the 21st annual St Andrews Charity Fashion Show, the UK’s largest student-run fashion show.
George and Luke’s collection, which featured dresses with accessorising hats and clutches, showcased striking red and black colouring, a complex use of materials including leather, neoprene and metal, and technological touches such as LED lighting.
The judging panel comprised representatives from Alfa Romeo UK, the St Andrews Fashion Show and members of the fashion press. The award’s ‘Fragments of the Imagination’ brief took inspiration from author J.M Barrie, a former Rector of St Andrews University, as well as Alfa Romeo’s heritage, styling and Alfa MiTo and Giulietta ranges.
Accepting their award the duo said; ‘This competition has been an incredible experience. A lot of hard work went into our collection but all the finalist designs were amazing, so when we were named the winners we could hardly believe it. Thanks to Alfa Romeo and the St Andrews Fashion Show for giving us this opportunity. We’re very much looking forward to seeing our collection on the catwalk later!’
Naz Jamil, Brand Communications Manager for Alfa Romeo UK, presented Luke and George with their award which included £1,000 in prize money and an internship at internationally acclaimed fashion label PPQ. Naz added: ‘There was fierce competition this year but George and Luke were deserving winners for their exceptional collection, which clearly captured the spirit of Alfa Romeo with creative flair and amazing technical execution. Thanks to all the finalists for their hard work and making this competition