The Graduate Fashion Week Gala on Wednesday June 9th includes the annual awards ceremony, with prizes given for the best womenswear, menswear and knitwear, among others, as well as the prestigious River Island Gold Award, worth £20,000. A new prize has been added to this year's list, the Inspiration Award, which is being voted for by GFW students, and will acknowledge the contribution to fashion by an inspirational figure, such as an actor, musician, designer or model. Alberta Ferretti, one of Italy's top designers, is chairing this year's judging panel.
Graduate Fashion Week ends on Thursday June 10th, with its Education Day, now in its third year and proving a huge attraction for 14-18 year-olds interested in a career in fashion. Last year, more than 3,500 students attending from 140 schools nationwide.