New Talent
Because we believe that fashion is fabulous, we support young Scottish design talent however we can.
We're currently the main sponsor for the Glasgow School of Art undergraduate fashion shows, a sponsorship we began in 2008 and will continue into the forseeable future. We also work closely with the School of Art to help support and promote students and graduates' work, particuallry within the fashion and textile courses.
In 2008, we showcased some of the city's emerging fashion talent though displays and catwalk shows in Buchanan Galleries.
The designers
Beth Newman (23) is from Glasgow and studied at Cardonald before going onto obtain a first class honours degree in fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2007 she established Beth Newman Designs, and specialises in bespoke, one-off garments. Her key interests are in Japanese design, corsetry and print textile. As well as running her own business, Beth is also a part-time fashion technician and teacher at Cardonald College.
Cara Macaulay (19) is originally from the Isle of Lewis, and came to Glasgow to study at Cardonald. She is currently in her final term of Clothing Technology and Manufacture, and is moving to Manchester later this year to study clothing design at the city's Metropolitan University.
Aliyah Ahmad (23) is from Glasgow and is in her final year of a Clothing Technology HND at Cardonald College. In September she'll join Manchester Metropolitan University to complete her degree. Aliyah has a particular passion for creating women's eveningwear, and hopes to join one of the big fashion companies when she graduates, travelling the world and developing her design expertise.
David Vowels (24) is from Glasgow and studying for his HND in Fashion Technology at Cardonald. His ultimate goal is to start his own label and business, but he plans to spend some time gaining experience in several areas of the industry when he graduates. Keen to broaden his fashion skills as much as possible, David also plans to take several City and Guilds courses upon graduating.
Pamela Lau (27) is originally from Hong Kong but grew up in Glasgow. She has a textiles degree from Glasgow School of Art, and is currently stidying Clothing Manufacture at Cardonald College. Pamela plans to combine her two qualifications to work in digital print design and garment manufacture. Eventually she'd like to establish her own fashion company.
Sarah Wilberforce (30) is originally from Ghana but now lives in Glasgow. She has a degree in Printed and Knitted Textile Design from Glasgow School of Art, and is now studying Clothing Technology at Cardonald. Last year Sarah won the Trade House of Glasgow Craftex 2007 Certificate of Merit and Advance fashion Prize. She has created one-off knit textile samples for a Nottingham-based company, some of which were sold to Donna Karan. When she graduates, Sarah plans to put all her efforts into Sarah Wilberforce Textiles - specialising in bridal, occasional and knitted dress wear.
Shelly McGuigan (19) is from Hamilton and is currently studying Clothing Technology at Cardonald College. Her design style tends to lean towards dramatic style - from gothic to Japanese influences. Her ambition is to establish her own bridal and occasion wear company, and to brand into menswear.
Lauren Kennedy (21) is from East Kilbride and is in the final year of a Clothing Technology HND at Cardonald College. Next year she will complete her degree at Heriot Watt University. Lauren's main interest is in designing and creating evening wear, and she aspires to design modern classics reminiscent of work by Valentino and John Galliano.