Fashion graduates stitch their soul and vision into collection showcase

The roll call of Leeds Arts University alumni is beyond impressive. Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst have all have studied there - visionary, disruptive and groundbreaking artists whose work will always inspire.

- by Harriet Sutton

And their spirit continues to be present in the work of the current crop of students as they bring their own artistic vision to a 21st-century world. Their work has the support not just of their university but also of local industry, demonstrating the need to nurture new generations of art, design and enterprise.

Last month, LAU fashion graduates showcased their impressive collections before an audience of industry figures, media, families, friends and fellow students.

The students come from far afield. "It is always amazing to see how many of our students who come from all over the UK and the world adopt Yorkshire and Leeds, and how this plays a real part in their creative journey," says BA (Hons) Fashion Design and MA Fashion course leader Nicola Knight.

"A good example of this is Charlie Brown, who studied foundation at LAU and continued to study her degree with us. She is from Wales but really adopted Leeds as her home."