Celebrating its 35th anniversary year, Graduate Fashion Week 2026 will bring together final year students from more than 30 UK and 40 international universities at Truman Brewery in London, from 15 – 18 June.
The event celebrates the class of 2026, providing an opportunity to connect with industry and kickstart careers. Throughout the week, there will be a showcase of catwalks, an exhibition, masterclasses, a cinema and workshops from industry voices.
BA (Hons) Fashion student Mehrish Pahilani is in the running for both the Culture & Heritage Award and the Fashion Marketing Award for her final major project, Mehman by Mehrish, a fusion occasionwear brand.
“For my project, I really wanted to appreciate my culture. I'm from India and I've always been really drawn to Bollywood and also Hollywood,” Mehrish explained. “I wanted to find a middle ground and create fusion wear designs which bring in that cinematic element, with fashion films and drama from the vintage era.
“Honestly, I didn't quite expect to be shortlisted. I really feel like this is the first time I've given my all to something, so it feels amazing. When I woke up to the e-mail, I was just giggling the whole day and dancing in my room.”
Course mate Ella Jennings has been shortlisted for the F+F Award, which celebrates fashion collections that balance wearability with bold, fashion-forward design.
Ella’s project is centred around cyberpunk. Her creations explore the shapes and influences of the genre through streetwear – and will feature in the Florence & Fred catwalk show.
She said: “I took a lot of inspiration from the geometric shapes often seen within the clothes worn in cyberpunk and used this to influence the silhouettes of my final outfits.
“It feels great for my work to be recognised. I've spent many long hours at night in the fashion studio sewing and trying to get all the work done. So, it's really nice to see that all the work's paid off and that I'm getting some attention from it. It's just great!”
Fellow University of Staffordshire student Grace Onubogu developed a magazine titled Identity in Fashion: Shapes of Self for her final year project, which has been shortlisted for the FACE Prize.
“It makes me proud of myself and how hard I’ve worked to get recognised in the FACE Award category.” Grace said. “I wanted to create a fashion illustration magazine that showcases how everyone explores identity differently. My work focuses on alter egos, to showcase how we show different aspects of ourselves.”
The Graduate Fashion Week awards play a crucial role in spotlighting the very best in this year’s graduating talent, whilst ensuring that industry professionals are able to give direct and constructive feedback to finalists.
All shortlisted students are invited to a full day of networking events, industry talks, CV and portfolio reviews with top recruitment agencies, and direct interactions with the judges, enhancing their exposure to potential career opportunities.
BA (Hons) Fashion Course Leader Holly Nancarrow-Hassall added: “Graduate Fashion Week is the biggest graduate event in the world, so to be shortlisted for an award is huge. Congratulations to Mehrish, Ella and Grace!
“Our whole cohort will be attending the event and several other students’ work will feature on the catwalk. It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their talent and network with potential employers as they prepare to enter the industry. We can’t wait!”
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