Alice Daggett, a 3^rd-year BA Fashion Design student at Winchester School of Art – University of Southampton, received the Gold Catwalk Award for the ‘Best of Graduate Fashion Week 2024’ last month. Alice was one of the 10 students to participate in the Drapers’ x UKFT Internship Bursary scheme during the school year 2022-2023. Her internship took place at The Well Worn, a contemporary slow fashion British brand based in Winchester.

The Drapers’ x UKFT Internship Bursary scheme helps fashion and textile students across the UK to access good quality internships, offering them financial support from The Drapers’ Company plus mentoring, guidance and networking opportunities. Click here to find out more.

Elliot Barlow, Manufacturing and Education Consultant at UKFT, said: “Internships can be a good way to get first-hand industry experience and a route into a career in fashion and textiles. However, these are often unpaid or offer low wages, which can exclude a lot of talented creative people as they are starting out. This programme aims to open up these opportunities to a wider pool of people and make sure that the experiences are as valuable as can be.”

Alice’s success story highlights the importance of facilitating the access to quality internships, as they offer a route into a career within the fashion and textile sector. On the Graduate Fashion Week 2024 catwalk, Alice presented a timeless and elegant collection of garments inspired by her Yorkshire heritage. She said: “It’s an honour to be awarded with the Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week, I’ve been surrounded by an incredible team of peers, tutors and support system who have got me here today.”

Sharon Williams, BA Fashion Design programme lead at Winchester School of Art, commented: “We are delighted that the judges recognised Alice’s highly resolved collection which integrates recycled materials such as tablecloths, rugs and curtains in such a refined way. It is important that our designers demonstrate a clear personal narrative within their work and this is truly evident in Alice’s homage to her heritage.”

Find out more about UKFT Education Partner Winchester School of Art:

WINCHESTER SCHOOL OF ART

About Drapers’ x UKFT Internship Bursary

UKFT and The Drapers’ Company are working together to support fashion and textile students across the UK to achieve good quality internships through the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary Programme. 

Financial support from The Drapers’ Company will enable ten students annually to take up internship opportunities they may otherwise struggle to afford.

UKFT will be offering mentoring, guidance, and networking opportunities to each student to ensure their internships are safe, enjoyable and valuable. 

FIND OUT MORE

There are many sources of funding available to support businesses and individuals across the fashion and textile sector:

FUNDING FOR TRAINING