The Graduate Fashion Foundation collaborated with TikTok to become official merchandise partners across Europe.
The collaboration provides an opportunity for more than 70 students to access practical experience in the fashion industry. Two graduate designers from every GFF Member University were chosen by the pannel of judges last week.
Today the winners start their 5-day residency where they will produce their winning garments. The designers used the black, blue and pink colour scheme which represents the TikTok logo, as well as other trends which are characteristic for the app. They were inspired by the influencers, fashion movements and TikTok videos.
On-Trend talked to some designers to find out more about their concept ideas:
1. Nazia Naeem
Nazia Naeem is a womenswear designer at the University of Northampton. “My final year at University was the most exciting for me so I was devastated after the Graduate Show was cancelled. During the same month, my father passed away and at this point, I didn’t know what the future was going to hold for me.”
Nazia tried to keep herself busy by upcycling materials, creating face masks and learning new skills. At this period TikTok also became increasingly popular. Nazia loves watching fashion DIY videos and hacks as well as creating her content.
For the competition, Nazia was inspired by the idea of being a dreamer and the sky is the limit. “TikTok users create content everywhere and anywhere and need comfort and movement in their clothing. They are also always up-to-date with the latest styles so I wanted to keep my merchandise on-trend with pastel colours, tie-dye and street style elements.”
Nazia designed a crop top, cargo shorts and an oversized sweatshirt which was selected by the judges. “In my merchandise, I have used a crumpled tie-dye technique which creates a cloud effect and fits perfectly with my concept of being a dreamer.”
To follow Nazia’s journey, check out her TikTok and Instagram.
2. Corina Virk
Corina Virk is a fashion graduate from the University of East London. The designer had work placements at the Saloni London, Mira Mikati, Nordstrom which is a luxury department store Corina was working on and off for the last 7 years.
The work experience allowed Corina to gain knowledge and develop techniques such as the tech pack and printmaking which she can apply at the competition.
Corina's submission ‘TikTokMania’ is inspired by two main muses, Billie Eilish and Addison Rae. “Addison represents the key ongoing trends in TikTok from being a dancer as well as clothing type of primarily athleisure, crop tops, and oversized clothing. Billie Eilish represents Gen Z, which is the primary demographic, until recently, and her songs are used on a quite a few 'challenges'."
Corina incorporated the TikTok logo by keeping its form but created a repeat print to produce a bold impactful design that would photograph and video well against the logo colour palette in the garments.
3. Jemima Jarvis
Jemima Jarvis is a fashion design graduate from the Heriot-Watt University. Jemima’s graduate collection features oversized puffer, sublimation prints and up-cycled accessories. The designer tried to incorporate her style with the TikTok latest trends.
“TikTok reminds me of the opening scenes from the movie ‘Step Up’, little snippets of the talented people showing off their skills. In itself, TikTok is a culture with each viewer being part of their own subculture. I find mine is a mixture of dance and fashion.”
Jemima chose to design tie dye joggers, crop top and an oversized orange puffer with her slogan written across the back. “I feel the slogan gives the influences a standout look which would be noticeable for any viewer swiping up on their ‘for you page’.”
“The orange puffer design was taken from my Sherpa Puffer featured in the graduate collection. Before my trip to London, I have to make the pattern and toile to bring with me on the first day, luckily I already have the pattern so just have to adjust it for fit!”
To find out more about the designer, read the latest feature.
4. Hollyann Tullett
Hollyann Tullett is a Fashion Design and Business graduate from the University of Brighton, specialising in womenswear and hand craft techniques.
“The TikTok competition forced me to design in a very different way to my usual aesthetic. However, I really enjoy designing for specific audiences."
The designer gained inspiration from the TikTok fashion which is mainly focused on 90s and Y2K. “Visible overlocked seams on garments are also often seen within outfit videos, hence why I will be using white overlocking thread to break up the colour in both of the jersey tops.”
Hollyann thinks that TikTok “highlights how generation Z push the boundaries with fashion, mix menswear, womenswear together and customise their garments through sewing, ‘hacks’ or styling.” To fit with this theme, the designer made sure all three pieces are customisable:
Bucket hat is reversible with a white underside.
Ruched jersey long sleeve top can be ruched into a crop top using the gathered detail at each side seam.
The t-shirt is unisex, the oversized style. It can be worn as a t-shirt dress if desired.
5. Anya Sims
Anya Sims is a final year fashion student at Norwich University of the Arts. Anya creates unisex designs which could be argued to have feminine aesthetics.
“I wanted to use very bold blocks of colour to give my designs a sportswear feel which I felt aligned with the youthful activeness and dance focus of TikTok.” Anya created a capsule collection, featuring a top, dress and sheer hoodie which can be styled individually or layered together.
“The top is made from pale blue power mesh with a high neck and slightly cropped hemline. It works perfectly to layer underneath the dress or could be worn over a bralet or sports bra. The hoodie features a drawstring with black cord running through. The hemline is cropped and elasticated to create a flattering fit over the dress ”
Anya’s winning garment, black slip dress, would be made from black slinky fabric for a relaxed fit with contrasting white bias binding straps and neckline. “The dress has slits at both side seams and features a large TikTok music note across the front body.”
6. Ffiona McCormick-Edwards
Ffiona McCormick-Edwards is a fashion design graduate from the Arts University Bournemouth. Throughout her time at university Ffiona decided to focus on a niche menswear market but eventually developed her knowledge on accessories.
“I was inspired by the sort of dimension you enter once you open TikTok. It’s addictive. You find one video funny or entertaining and then you scroll to the next and it makes you smile. Soon you notice it's 4 am, getting light outside and all you have are catchy songs and dance moves playing in your head.” For Ffiona it was important to express the joy and energy she is experiencing through the designs.
“My chosen design was the Utility Gilet. I feel the bright prints represent a good representation of positivity that the brand promotes and the creative individual can wear.”
7. Emily Harper
Emily Harper studied Fashion Design with Marketing and Production at the University of Huddersfield.
Emily’s design took inspiration from the fun nature of TikTok. “I wanted to channel this through a colourful collection, which is where the idea for my ‘A Pop of Colour’ collection developed. I’ve played around with creative colour blocking and took silhouette inspiration from athleisure/sports-luxe to create a functional, comfortable but also stylish unisex collection for all to wear.”
'A Pop of Colour' reflects a playful and vibrant theme contrasted with functionality and comfort to reflect the current needs of the environment.
8. Claire Flower
Claire Flower is a fashion design graduate from the Peak District. The designer just completed her final year at the University of Huddersfield where she studied Fashion Design with Textiles.
Claire is specialising in womenswear. She developed her knowledge after a year placement in London where she has worked with the River Island Team.
For the TikTok x GFF collaboration she has entered a one-piece capsule collection, which included a top, shorts and oversized shirt.
“This is a fun collection with a pop of colour. The sport luxe vibe will allow women to feel comfortable, sexy and sassy all at once.”
9. Roisin-Eilish Harkin
Roisin-Eilish Harkin is a fashion graduate at the Birmingham City University and the founder of the sportswear brand – Dreamland Sport.
For the competition, Roisin looked into the VSCO style tribe which she has picked up while scrolling down the TikTok feed. The designs were also inspired by her friend and Dreamland Sport muse, Lexi-Leigh.
Dreamland ‘For You’ Collection has detachable elements within two of Roisin’s pieces to allow the TikTok users to create four different looks with three garments.
“For my third look I wanted it to shout TikTok as soon as you see it”, not only Roisin thought about the blue and pink colour scheme but also finished the design with some branded graphic work.
“This piece captures the easy going, fun and cool girls of TikTok I have designed for as well as showcasing the heart of every good outfit on my TikTok for you page.”
To find out more about the designer read the latest feature.
10. Emma Hirst
Emma Hirst graduated from the Northumbria University where she has studied Fashion Design and Marketing. Throughout her time at university she had work experience at Bybrown in Amsterdam and Oxfam in Huddersfield, where she developed her love and knowledge on sustainability.
The designer finds inspiration in strong women. “I have been watching and reading about Hilary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Jameela Jamil and read the amazing book by Florence Given. This taught me that I have a voice and I need to go and use it!”
For the competition Emma submitted her graduate collection. Emma created her brand JOHNJO to educate about sustainability and unite the world.
“JOHNJO’s first collection is a mixed media prints-based collection. The signature motif followed throughout the collection features ‘facial line’ drawings and statements of words.”
For Emma TikTok is more than uploading content to the social media. “I see a dark humour on TikTok. I see young adults exposing themselves for dances and humour which is leading conversational debates. We can divert the direction around and promote other important trends which are occurring in the world. I want to educate young adults about sustainability, ethnicity, BLM and Feminism. My list can go on.”
11. Salsabila Nurferyani
Salsabila Nurferyani is a fashion graduate from the Coventry University. Salsabila is specialising in womenswear and has an experimental approach to her work.
"My collection is inspired by the TikTok mission to inspire creativity and bring the joy. I wanted my collection to be fun and colourful."
Salsabila is also inspired by nature, especially leaves. In her TikTok collection she has tried to use the textures and silhouettes to recreate the elements.
12. Maisie Crome
Maisie Crome is a fashion graduate from the Kingston School of Art, specialising in knitwear.
Maisie submitted her project “Everything But The Kitchen Sink” which is inspired by the lockdown and everything you can find around the home to be creative.
While Maisie was scrolling down her feed she saw a video ‘TikTok Hack’ where the user transferred printed image on a t-shirt.
“My aim is to create a capsule collection that people have the ability to recreate at home and show their process on the app. As you are able to constantly engage with people on TikTok, respond to videos and create duets I imagine videos being recorded in my designs and then a duet created with someone wearing re-imagined version of the garment.”
The designer not only wants to get more people to be creative but to challenge them to use up-cycle garments. Malsie created samplings from the fabrics she found at home to show that it's possible to be creative with what you have.
“To transform the old, unused materials and garments I’ve boiled up red cabbage to dye the fabric. From rummaging through my drawers, I found beads, clockwork cogs to inspire my print and thread to embroider with.”
13. Kelsie March
Kelsie March is a fashion graduate at the University of Hertfordshire.
“A few weeks after I submitted all my work, Graduate Fashion Week released the TikTok competition. It is such a good concept and so helpful for designers at the moment due to the current pandemic. I applied not expecting to hear back at all, but I did!”
While creating a design for the competition Kelsie was inspired by Hayley Bieber and her laid-back, casual street style.
“I thought it would be a good idea to have a gender-neutral collection, especially as TikTok is such a diverse brand. It is amazing to have designs which everyone can wear, no matter your gender or age.”
The judges selected the shorts Kelsie designed. The shorts have pockets and a drawstring waist which is easy to adjust to the desired fit. Kelsie also decided to use contrast fabrics such as structured wool, polyester and stretch jersey which makes it wearable throughout all seasons.