KU fashion graduate designs George at Asda collection

Jessica Piper, a KU fashion graduate, has helped design George’s new collection ‘G21 Talent‘.

Holly Wilson

Graduate Fashion Week sponsor, George, are working with five rising-star fashion graduates to create their newest high street label, including KU fashion graduate Miss Piper who graduated last year. 

Projects in Paris and Spain

The 23-year-old designer said: “The experience was really, really exciting. There was no brief so you could create your own pieces that reflected your style. My pieces for the label are based on wearable fashion and fun prints that are influenced by my dad’s trips to Africa.”

Upon seeing her collection at Graduate Fashion Week, George selected Ms Piper and four other graduates to design their new collection aimed at 16-25 year olds.

Elinor Renfrew, KU fashion’s course director said: “Jess was an individual, creative student who had great style. She understood fashion from a cool, young point of view and produced strong textiles and exceptional accessories to create her total look that was uniquely hers. She was also a great networker; whilst at Kingston University, she secured a project with Kenzo in Paris and was interviewed by Zara in Spain.”

Known for their ongoing support of fashion graduates, George will continue to recruit designers for the ‘G21 Talent’ range.

Chief merchandising officer for George Andre Moore said: “We will be developing the G21 Talent brand through paid placements and creating even more opportunities for the next generation of British fashion designers.”

“One-stop shop for today’s hottest trends”

As a part of the new project, George will teach the graduates the fundamentals of the design process and passing on key skills required in the industry.

The range brings a designer trend-led edge to George’s range. Promising to be “your one-stop shop for today’s hottest trends. In carefully synchronized colourways, our expert edit of key shapes makes styling your new look a cinch.”

The collection has also been designed by Claire Acton from the University of Central Lancashire, Frankie Quinn from Manchester Metropolitan University, Chloe Horsfield from the University of Northumbria and GFW 2013’s George Gold Award winner Chloe Jones from Bath Spa University.

Modelled by I’m A Celebrity presenter Laura Whitmore, G21 Talent is now available in stores and online at George.com. 

Miss Piper is now working on her own collection.