“With all the uncertainty of the situation, I honestly wasn’t sure what the outcome. Never did I expect to be nominated for an award, let alone win it.
“Despite the difficulties, I’m so grateful to where it led me, and I just really want to thank my family for supporting in every way they could, my brother for his obsession with carp fishing, without it my collection wouldn’t have been what it was and of course, my tutors at the University of Brighton, for always guiding me to the best outcome, and supporting us however they could through digital means.”
Graduate Fashion Foundation President Hilary Alexander OBE said: “We have been blown away by the innovation, resilience, creativity and determination displayed by the Class of 2020.”
“Not only have they completed their university careers by adapting to the current climate, but the incredibly high quality of the work produced has exceeded our expectations.
“We’ve been very impressed by the Class of 2020 and we’re excited to continue supporting them as they enter the industry.”
Speaking about Ella’s achievement, the university’s fashion course leader Craig Higgins said: “We are extremely proud and pleased for Ella and congratulate her on this achievement. Her collection ideas included modular bag systems engineered into luxury woollen coats, a novel approach to garment and accessory integration.
“Going into lockdown in March at a critical point in the year, when the making of final pieces was about to start, this year’s graduates were without access to the usual specialist equipment. They really demonstrated their determination, resourcefulness and passion for their work, and were delighted to see that they continued to value the making process.
“Ella has continued to develop her ideas, and put the business aspects of the course to good use too, developing a more commercial range of bags which she is now selling online. The judges were very impressed by her commitment and drive.”
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