Leading figures from the fashion, business and creative industries gathered for a catwalk event celebrating the talents of Birmingham City University’s students and graduates. ‘The Catwalk: BCU in Digbeth’ took place yesterday (June 29) at Birmingham’s The Mill, showcasing the designs of the University’s Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles.
Over 100 guests from across industries and sectors - including designers, buyers, and experts from Burbo K’Ture, Next, Superdry, Zara, Harvey Nichols, and Christian Louboutin - flocked to the Digbeth live music venue and club space to view the latest high-end fashion collections produced by the University’s Fashion students and graduates. The event also included a state-of the-art digital exhibition and displays of designs created by the University’s Jewellery and Textiles students and graduates.
Head of Birmingham City University’s Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles, Lee Lapthorne, said: “Our event came hot on the heels of our students’ work being featured at both Graduate Fashion Week and New Designers in London, and it was an absolute pleasure to showcase their work once more, this time in the heart of our city’s creative district and a stone’s throw from out City Centre campus.
“Our University plays a key civic role in the city and region, with our rich heritage including our award-winning School of Jewellery, and our graduates are helping to drive the wider economy as they go on to become successful designers and creatives. I would like to congratulate our graduates for their collections and for what was a wonderful celebration of their talent.”
Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean at Birmingham City University, Professor Lawrence Zeegen, added: “Our catwalk event was just one of the many ways we work to ensure our students gain the maximum exposure to industry, equipping them with the hands-on practical skills to go on to have successful careers.
“We are proud that so many of our staff come from an industry background and bring a wealth of skills, knowledge, and experience to our University, providing our students with the latest thinking, creativity and professional networks. As a globally significant centre for fashion, textiles, and design, with an internationally renowned School of Jewellery which is the largest in Europe, we were delighted to be able to demonstrate the impact of our work with key industry leaders.”
The catwalk event is part of an extensive and exciting programme of events being held by the University this year as it celebrates its 2025 Strategy. The events programme brings to life the work of the University and its mission to be the University for Birmingham, enabling the personal transformation of individuals, employers, and society through excellence in practice-based education, research and knowledge exchange.
