KU fashion graduate wins British Fashion Award

Lisa Moravec

Kingston graduate Sophie Hulme won the British Fashion Award for emerging talent thanks to her classical handbag design. 

Her bags are sold in store and online at Seldridges. Online three of Sophie’s handbags are sold at £555-£575. 

The simple and wearable design of her leather handbags which are sold around the world, propelled her to a high international standing.

Selfridges, voted the best department store in the world, called her one of London’s brightest talents.

Her own fashion label, producing clothes and accessories, was set up only three weeks after her graduation from Kingston in 2007.

“ She is very busy at the moment, especially after she won last week,“ said Helen Sharpe, her Senior Account Manager.

The River was told that Sophie would like to give an interview but due to a lack of time she was not able to comment on her latest success.

International media, such as such British and Italian Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar magazine have featured her several times since her work has been publically shown at her graduate fashion fair five years ago.

Before coming to Kingston, the talented young designer studied at St. Martins, but transferred to Kingston as she had wanted her course to be more practical.

She spoke very highly of the teachers and the university, who elected her Student of the Year in 2007. Additionally, did she won the best collection award.

Sophie is still in touch with Kingston University and has been visiting KU to talk to inspire fashion students.

“She told us that she wrote her dissertation on how to start your own business. She knew exactly what she wanted,” said Lucinda, a third year KU fashion student.

Lucinda, who is currently competing for an internship with Chloé, has previously worked as an intern for H&M in Stockholm and at Banana Republic in New York.  

Sophie describes her designs as “wearable and practical”.

London’s big fashion houses, such as at Liberty, Selfridges, Horby Nicks and others, will be selling her new spring collection soon. 

At the moment Sophie is working on starting her own footwear line.