Memories of Lithuania clinch top award at London Fashion Week
Rasa Abramaviciute, a second year fashion student at Middlesex University, was awarded the top prize at the 2010 F.A.D. Competition, which took place at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on Monday 22nd February. The talented young designer, who had always hoped of working with Dame Vivienne Westwood one day, had her dreams realised when she was presented with a prize of £2,000 and a placement with the UK design legend.
Collecting her award from John Wolford, Director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout she said: “I want to thank F.A.D. so much for this – also thanks to my University tutors, to my best friends and also my parents.”
Her two beautifully crafted outfits and the story behind them won over the hearts of this year’s jury: “The inspiration for my designs came from my memories of Lithuania – the creases in family photographs; the hand made clothing of my childhood; a pair of gloves my mum attached together with a piece of string and the folk music. Also the 1989 political demonstration; where 2 million people joined hands to form a human chain spanning 600km across three Baltic States.”
Her first dress, inspired by memories of her childhood, was constructed entirely from leather with Lithuanian folk print and innovative 3-D origami details. The second outfit represented the unity of her country, with a patchwork carpet dress in earthy shades, offset by a structural leather jacket.
Selected from over 100 entries, 14 finalists from 10 universities took part in the catwalk final. Together the students presented a collection inspired by this year’s emotive brief – ‘Traces’. To mark the turning of a new decade, FAD asked students to look back and explore the concept of memory to create a fashion legacy for future generations. Each finalist presented two outfits in the final - one inspired by personal memory, and the other inspired by the narrative of collective memories and objects.
Now in its 9th year, the F.A.D. Competition has become an “undeniable springboard” (Vogue.com) for young designers. Open to undergraduates studying fashion in the UK, the competition’s aim is to highlight and support creative young people at the earliest stage in their careers.
For hi-resolution images and quotes please contact Fran at F.A.D: fran@fad.org.uk | T: 020 7490 3946
