JCA BA Graduate Exposition 2025 REVELATION.
We innovate and shape the future of fashion.
Production Editors: Jenny Wang & Stefán A.R Orschel-Read
Copy Editors: Stefán A.R Orschel-Read & Jana Aboutaleb
Editorial Photography: Lia McCormack
Editorial Styling and Production: Masha Mombelli
Editorial Makeup: Becci Discombe for AOFMPro using Dermalogica UK
Editorial Hair: Emma Hunt using Unite Haircare
Cover Image Production: Stefán A.R Orschel-Read & Ted Lin
ABOUT JCA
The goal of JCA is to support students’ transition from higher education into entrepreneurship or employment, ensuring they are prepared to excel from day one. All students at JCA are encouraged to start their brands during their studies and seek commercial opportunities to sell the collections they design. This hands-on experience is invaluable in understanding how commerce intersects with design, building the confidence needed to transition smoothly into professional roles after graduation.
JCA places a strong emphasis on work-related learning throughout its programmes. Students are professionally trained as aspiring designers, honing their craft in professional studios equipped with integrated technology. This progressive engagement includes software training, commercially sponsored live projects, industrial visits, competition entries, and reflective professional practice.
Each module at JCA integrates theory with practice, centred around projects carefully chosen to progressively enhance students’ entrepreneurial, creative skills, and knowledge. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students graduate with a well-rounded education that equips them to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.
www.jca.ac.uk
Thank you to our sponsors:
REVELATION. showcases collections from an international portfolio of entrepreneurial fashion designers with roots in England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Lebanon, Thailand, Japan, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, The Congo, and Barbados.
The catwalk show presents 23 graduate designers selected by an external panel of esteemed industry experts. The panel will name one designer as the winner of the Collection of the Year Award 2025.
“I am very proud to present the impressive work of the fashion graduates from our Mayfair and Boston Manor campuses at the JCA BA Graduate Exposition 2025.
This year’s work truly embodies our international approach to fashion design and entrepreneurship. Our theme of REVELATION. represents the act of casting light, both physically and metaphorically. Collections find their inspirations in the philosophy of identity and social commentary, the experiences of marginalised intersectional groups, and examine the importance of faith in our glitched digital world.”
Stefán A. R. Orschel-Read Director of Programmes
There is an unparalleled virtue in the colours of the day, as with the darkness of the night; each with its own mystery and wonderment; its own enigma and grace.
A beam of light travels at break-neck speeds and arrives gently like a moth scraping on skin. Enfolded in this silent and resplendent embrace, we are witness to all that is revealed. The air becomes animated, what earlier was invisible, now crackles, electrified with light.
Dusk is a juncture between the memory of today and the promise of tomorrow. We are magnetised and drawn to the new light ahead. Before day bids us adieu, dusk calls out the coming of the night. This precious light looks deep into your eyes and begs: what do you see?
A myriad of colours and soft tones from the pooling sun, the dusk pays tribute to the day that was, and welcomes the night that will be.
It is during this transition from light to darkness that the world explodes with cries of colour, sights and sounds. The sea and sky exude a darker shade of blue, the sun a tangerine coal, mountains a deeper umber. In this short breath, the world casts forth its magnificence, radiance and warmth. Neither too dark nor too light, dusk is the perfect time; an eternal moment.
The moment of pure REVELATION.
JCA is elated to be presenting REVELATION. and it is an honour to be able to see the collections come to life. Watching each look go down the runway is a really proud moment for myself and the Academy. The designers have been working diligently over the last year to make sure each design is an embodiment of their brand.”
Andy Ginn CEO and Principal
AMATA
Revival of Minimalism
www.amata.uk amyjoevans@mail.com
Amy Evans introduces her brand AMATA, poised to redefine the fashion landscape for the modern woman. ‘Revival of Minimalism’ is more than a line of clothing; it is a celebration of individuality, versatility, and timeless elegance. Each piece, be it a dress, a tailored jacket, a mini-skirt, a classic pair of jeans, or thoughtfully curated accessory, has been meticulously crafted to embody the essence of staple garments that every woman deserves in her wardrobe.
Inspired by Amy’s personal style journey, AMATA reflects the diverse experiences and aspirations that shape us as women. Amy believes that fashion should empower, inspire, and resonate with our unique identities. AMATA is designed not only for aesthetic appeal, but also for functionality and comfort, ensuring that every woman can express herself with confidence and grace.
AMATA promises to elevate our wearers’ wardrobes and transform the way they experience fashion. Get ready to embrace the essence of modern femininity like never before.
www.amylouisematernity.com
amy_maternity@outlook.com
Ashleigh Stephens has developed the maternity brand Amy Louise, inspired by her mother. Ashleigh interpreted women’s opinions of maternity clothing and centres her brand on comfort and style.
Rooted in strong garment aesthetics, the garments cater to during pregnancy and post-pregnancy, reducing fashion’s tendency to over-consume.
Amy Louise New Life
Angel’s Genesis
Angel uses her brand ANGEL’S GENESIS as a tool to question the place of gender in our lives. She believes this self-imposed societal constraint only acts to limit human nature, confining our existence into easy-tomanage categories, dictating our role in this life. Continually drawing inspiration from the world around us, she considers both external and internal environments.
The perceived significance of day-to-day life, when contextualised in relation to the wider universe, is something Angel seeks to understand. Human existence, our monopoly of this planet and our capitalist ways have altered our perception of reality.
www.angelsgenesis.co.uk
angel@angelsgenesis.co.uk
We have tunnel vision.
In her work, Angel attempts to comprehend the place of humanity in this world. She studies life, death, anatomy, decay and nature in an effort to understand the systems and cycles of existence.
‘Death in a Jar’ is a study of the ethics concerning wet specimens (artificially preserved organic tissues) and their impact on scientific development. Angel noted a lack of existing studies concerning the metaethics of wet specimens and artificial preservation, and uses this collection to evaluate how scientists ethically justify the collection and storage of wet specimens and to assess how wet specimens have impacted scientific development.
Death in a Jar
The War for the Soul
imole.uk
studio@imole.uk
Olamide Lajuwomi is the London-based fashion designer behind ÌMÓLÈ. Her work is rooted in faith. Inspired by her journey of faith and stories of others, her designs feature textural textile manipulations and refined silhouettes.
Olamide’s approach to her work uses clothing as a means to inspire change, invoke deeper thoughts and capture stories.
www.jenniferduffy.co.uk studio@jenniferduffy.co.uk
Accessory and womenswear brand JENNIFER DUFFY creates elevated accessories and garments designed to last a lifetime. With material choice, functionality, and longevity at the forefront of all her designs, she produces exquisite products for the most discerning consumer.
JENNIFER DUFFY debuts the collection ‘Amazonia,’ showcasing six handbags, complimented by silk dresses, inspired by tropical horticulture within the Amazon Basin’s flora biome. The handbags are crafted from the finest ethical Italian leather and feature her signature chain made from British Argentium Silver 960.
JENNIFER DUFFY
Amazonia
JCA Beyond Borders
Hong Kong Study Trip 2025
In April 2025, thirty students from JCA | London Fashion Academy embarked on an unforgettable international study trip to Hong Kong, immersing themselves in one of the world’s most vibrant and forward-thinking fashion capitals.
Led by JCA academics, the fiveday experience provided a unique opportunity for students to expand their global perspective, engage with leading industry professionals, and explore the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the trip, students visited top fashion ateliers including FREY, Rickyy Wong, and Angus Tsui, gaining first-hand insights into the work of innovative, sustainability-focused designers operating in the East Asian market. These intimate studio tours allowed
students to engage in meaningful conversations about brandbuilding, production challenges, and ethical design practices.
The group also explored Hong Kong’s luxury retail scene, visiting standout destinations such as Harbour City and K11 MUSEA. These visits provided valuable market research opportunities, enabling students to observe visual merchandising trends, consumer behaviour, and the fusion of fashion and technology in a real-world context.
Beyond the commercial side of fashion, students engaged deeply with Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural scene. Highlights included a visit to the Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination exhibition at the M+ Museum and contemporary art showcases at PODIUM Gallery. These experiences encouraged students to think critically about fashion as an art form and its role in contemporary culture.
The group also participated in a social media strategy sharing with digital creator No7, offering tools for content creation and brand storytelling - essential skills for today’s designer-entrepreneur.
One of the most impactful parts of the trip was a hands-on sourcing experience in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong’s iconic fabric and trimmings district. Students explored an incredible variety of materials while considering sustainable sourcing practices - a key theme throughout the trip.
Cultural highlights included visits to Wong Tai Sin Temple and Kowloon Walled City, as well as enjoying world-famous Cantonese food. These moments added depth and connection to the experience, fostering collaboration and reflection outside the classroom.
The Hong Kong Study Trip forms part of JCA’s ongoing commitment to delivering realworld international experiences that shape the next generation of fashion leaders. Students returned to London with a broader understanding of global markets, enhanced cultural awareness, and a renewed sense of creative purpose.
At JCA, fashion education goes beyond the studio - it is about building future-facing, globally engaged designer-entrepreneurs ready to make an impact.
KATHAROS. invites you to step into a new era of club-wear revolutionising the intersection between party, club and occasion-wear.
Katie McMahon challenges women to embrace being daring, bold and provocative.
Creating a feeling of confidence and empowerment through clothing, KATHAROS. asks you to be striking, shameless and most importantly: ‘purified by fire’.
‘Riot of Glamour’ is a collection inspired by club and party wear of the past, with images of ‘The Last Harrah’ by photographer Dafydd Jones being a central point of inspiration.
Combining elegant styles of the 1980s elitist party scene with today’s club-wear trends, KATHAROS. channels the energy of Dafydd Jones’ muses into their looks, creating pieces that are refined yet rebellious.
This collection embodies the essence of the women of KATHAROS.
Riot of Glamour
www.kazlabel.com studio@kazlabel.com
Founded by Ela Kaz, a British-Turkish designer with a deep passion for music and rave culture, KAZ LABEL is redefining unisex fashion with bold, versatile pieces that seamlessly transition from day to night.
Frustrated by the disposable nature of ravewear, Ela set out to create a brand that fuses rave energy with everyday wearability. Inspired by the rhythm of music, the ritual of dance and the freedom of self-expression, KAZ LABEL designs gender-free clothing that moves with you, effortlessly adapting to any setting without compromising individuality.
KAZ LABEL
Echoes of Euphoria
www.kicollective.co.uk
ki.collective@outlook.com
Ki Collective
Form & Function
Kira McDermott, the designer behind Kl COLLECTIVE, is known for bold architectural silhouettes that combine modern edge with timeless elegance. She places great attention on craftsmanship and striking details, including asymmetrical zippers and structured collars.
Kira’s work seamlessly blends form and function, creating pieces that are both wearable and sculptural. ‘Form & Function’ finds inspiration in contemporary and classical architecture. The collection challenges traditional boundaries, incorporating innovative materials and precise tailoring. She mixes sophistication with sensuality, creating designs that exude power and allure, and an air of refined elegance. Her designs do not only dress a woman, they armour her in confidence.
Kira wants women to feel sculpted, seen, and unforgettable.
Siam Nostalgia
instagram.com/kinarornika kinarornika@outlook.com
Kinar Ornika is greatly inspires by the beauty of art and craftsmanship. She interprets stories into her garments, using exaggerated silhouettes and unique fabrications. Kinar’s core values are to embrace the significance and originality of Thai culture and to express her blessing to be born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kinar finds a balance between culture and modernity through innovative craft, fusing Thai traditional elements as a design signature.
The collection ‘Siam Nostalgia’ is an exploration of nostalgia through the fashion of Queen Sirikit, whose 15-nation tour of Western countries in 1960 exemplified her modest and chic etiquette and wardrobe.
Kinar Ornika
www.ladypola.com contact@ladypola.com
LADY POLA is a crochet ready-towear brand inspired by the feminine form, specialising in hand-crafted traditional Polish crochet paired with contemporary silhouettes.
‘The Performance’ is a play on verbiage of theatre and the private connection between performance and intimacy, translated into delicate sheer silhouetted and archetypal Polish crochet lace – a technique passed down through the women in Pola’s family.
Lourdes
The Struggle of Acceptation
www.lavinialourdes.com
lavinia.lourdes@outlook.com
Lavinia Udadewa is a passionate designer with a deep love for storytelling. Inspired by her lifelong passion for dance and a transformative experience at a Sri Lankan concert, she investigates the power of clothing as a medium for expression.
Lavinia’s designs stem from a place of resilience and creativity, serving as an outlet for processing life’s challenges and embracing individualism. She is dedicated to creating a supportive community for those seeking healing, empowerment, and authenticity.
Lavinia
www.lilywildthelabel.com lilywildthelabel@gmail.com
Womenswear designer Lily Wild delves into the intricate connections between individuals and their surroundings. Raised in a small town between Manchester and the Peak District, she was inspired by these contrasting ecosystems, igniting her curiosity about diverse ways of living.
Lily views mindful fashion as paramount, believing that our happiness and health depend on maintaining a thriving habitus.
‘Chasing Daylight’ explores the correlation between seasonal light variation and human mental wellbeing and circadian rhythms, and finds value in the Swedish lifestyle principle of ‘Lagom’.
Lily Wild
Chasing Daylight
From JCA to WSJ
As the holiday season approached in 2024, JCA | London Fashion Academy student Lucy Moser gained impressive attention in The Wall Street Journal, where her Caylin Hobo Bag was featured as Prof. Jimmy Choo’s top gift pick. Choo praised the bag’s bold aesthetic, calling it “cool, fun, chic, and red,” and noting that it “brings luck.” This high-profile endorsement placed Moser’s work firmly in the spotlight, showcasing JCA’s ability to nurture emerging talent with international appeal.
The bag, with its striking red hue and sleek design, embodies the cutting-edge creativity fostered at JCA. It reflects the school’s commitment to pushing boundaries in both design and entrepreneurship, positioning JCA as a hub for the next generation of designer-entrepreneurs.
Lucy Moser in The Wall Street Journal
Following the feature, the Caylin Hobo Bag saw a surge in attention, receiving multiple international orders through both the JCA Gallery online platform and Moser’s official brand website. The unexpected traction helped elevate her brand to a global audience, further proving the real-world impact of JCA’s emphasis on industry engagement and professional readiness.
Moser’s recognition, backed by Prof. Jimmy Choo’s endorsement, marks a significant milestone in her career and highlights JCA’s growing influence in the fashion world reinforcing JCA’s role in preparing students for global industry success.
www.thelondonfox.com support@thelondonfox.com
Olivia Parkinson, the founder of London Fox, is redefining the intersection of style, safety, and sustainability for the modern rider.
Born from a passion for moto culture and a deep commitment to creating high-quality, functional garments, London Fox specialises in motoinspired fashion for both off and on the road.
London Fox empowers the growing community of female motorcyclists with clothing that not only offers quality protection but gives the opportunity for women to express themselves through their style.
London Fox
Leather and Lace
Mastering the art of elevated minimalism with a touch of understated elegance, Madison Lois specialises in designing womenswear that encourages women to bring their bold and fearless femininity to the surface.
Madison fuses different elements of fashion to create lingerieinspired, ready-to-wear pieces that redefine confidence. At its core, the brand is about creating a space where women feel empowered to be their best selves, every day. Soft yet sharp, minimal yet expressive, powerful yet graceful, her designs are rooted in her deep appreciation for the transformative power of clothing. Driven by a passion for creating beauty with purpose, Madison believes that what women wear should make them feel powerful, never compromised.
The designs celebrate the female form through thoughtful structure, subtle sensuality, and refined details that evoke both strength and softness.
Madison approaches each collection with intention and artistry. Her process begins with storytelling—drawing from personal experiences, modern femininity, and the subtle power of form and fabric. Each piece reflects thoughtful design: emotionally resonant, technically refined, and deeply empowering. Each piece invites women to step into their power.
www.madisonlois.com madisonloisdesign@gmail.com
Madison Lois Light Hearted
marzola.co.uk
sofialuisamarzola@gmail.com
The Time Traveller
Sofia Marzola created Marzola with her strong passion for escapism through the world that exists in her mind. Proudly neurodiverse, she has a pure imagination which she wants others to experience through her brand. Clothing and accessories spark curiosity, encourage living in the moment, and build a sense of community.
The brand showcases jewellery alongside garments, including a collection of statement rings. Each ring replicates a different planet, and if each is collected, the buyer can hold the universe at their fingertips.
Sofia fell in love with curtain fabrics and the stories they tell when was working in a curtain showroom. Many garments are made from upcycled or deadstock curtain materials.
The ‘Time Traveller’ collection blends Victorian references with the Tudor era, juxtaposed with 60s and 90s streetwear, 80s military-wear and contemporary sportswear. Each meaningful piece encourages escapism.
Marzola
www.matthewsmenswear.com studio@matthewsmenswear.com
matthews, founded by Gracie Matthews, reflects the living world and the expression of natural forces. Nurture and nature’s contributions to human development, as well as humanity’s impact on the Earth, recur throughout Gracie’s inspiration and artistry.
Explored through each collection are considerations of abandonment, growth, projections of anthropogenic impact and the chain reaction effect, recognising and exploring change through design.
matthews Nature’s Regeneration
nardstudios.com nard.studios29@gmail.com
Bernard desires his garments to be worn in a certain manner and for the consumer to have to act in a specific way to be able to enjoy all the features to the highest level possible, such as the pocket placements. Nard
Nard Studios 1
The collection ‘Nard Studios 1’ is focused on the sustainable concept of upcycling work wear, which can be seen in the panelling of the garments. The notion of intentionality comes from a personal perspective in the sphere of design. Bernard is a fan of architecture and interior design especially. This is incorporated in the work through the fit and functionality of the garments.
Much of the collection is upcycled, posing technical issues that were solved through a creative outlook on garment construction and thorough experimentation. Colours in the collection are influenced by the chiaroscuro techniques found in Stanisław Gałek’s work.
instagram.com/cherlynornika cherlynornika@outlook.com
Cherlyn Ornika was born in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2022 she moved to London armed her Thai heritage that lives within her.
Cherlyn creates modern, feminine and contemporary fashion, infused with a romantic essence and the beauty of Thai culture, explored through visuals and creative fabric manipulations.
‘Siam Love Language’ embraces the way Thai people celebrate culture through crafts and the delicacy of making Krathong and Maalai, using natural resources such as banana leaf and Dork Ruk - the flower of love – given to significance others as a symbol of love and respect.
ORNIKA by Cherlyn Ornika
Siam Love Language
patriciasoufan.wixsite.com/official patriciasoufanofficial@outlook.com
Coming from an academic and fine art background as well as an appreciation for fusing culture, music, art and heritage with fashion, Lebanese designer Patricia Soufan blends tradition with modern aesthetics. Her work reflects her memories, narratives, and free spirit redefined into contemporary silhouettes that are made to make women feel powerful and elegant wearing them.
With a distinct creative identity, Patricia creates pieces that are not only fabrics and trimmings, but are an expression of her personal journeys and identity.
Patricia Soufan
Dabke of Resilience
As the visionary behind Pencae, Elin Williams is dedicated to redefining luxury fashion by bridging two contrasting worlds: the countryside and the city, through timeless high-quality design. The brand is a direct reflection of her personal journey, seamlessly blending the heritage of West Wales with the fast-paced energy of London.
Pencae is a movement towards sustainability, craftsmanship and longevity.
Elin brings a deep understanding of both rural and urban lifestyles, allowing Pencae to connect with consumers on a personal level and fill a unique gap in the market. She has built a brand with integrity; a brand that is self-aware, community driven and transparent.
At the heart of Pencae is a promise to honour Welsh heritage, to celebrate craft and to recreate clothing and products that resonate with people, in the way that living in Wales resonates with those who call it home.
The name of the collection: ‘Cyswllt’ can be translated as ‘connection’, honouring Elin’s bond with both West Wales and London.
www.pencae.com
contact@pencae.com
Rethinking Retail
Launched in November 2024, the JCA Retail Gallery is far more than just a store; it is a vibrant launchpad for the next generation of designers, seamlessly integrating education with hands-on industry experience.
Situated in White City, in collaboration with Berkeley Group / St James, and accessible online at www.jcagallery. co.uk, this pioneering, student-led space provides emerging creatives with a platform to showcase and sell their work.
Here, fashion isn’t merely displayed; it is lived, learned, and launched into the global industry.
Each selected garment stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design. Through the Learn & Launch initiative, students gained invaluable experience in brand development,
customer engagement, and commercial strategy, ensuring they are equipped not just as designers but as entrepreneurs ready to transform the industry. Furthermore, featuring their collections on JCA’s e-commerce platform opens doors to a global marketplace, amplifying their creative vision.
The gallery also served as the backdrop for a dynamic week of events, including the Menswear Press Day, the County Lines Panel Talk with Madeline Atkinson, a Networking Event for Independent School Art & Textile Teachers, and an inspiring session with Women in Business. A highlight was a full Press Day, offering students the invaluable opportunity to engage with journalists, influencers, and fashion insiders, ensuring their emerging brands received crucial media exposure.
This all led up to the Reflection Show on 28 November 2024, which captured the attention of media outlets like BBC and ELLE and marked a pivotal moment for these budding designers. The Reflection Show mirrored the innovative work at JCA of students and alumni, showcasing their creative evolution. Attended by Prof. Jimmy Choo OBE, the show offered students a chance to engage with industry professionals, propelling their careers onto a global stage.
JCA is redefining the future of fashion. The JCA Gallery stands as a movement, blending sustainability with innovation, and providing a space where the next generation of visionary designers can emerge, evolve, and take their place in the global fashion landscape.
JCA Gallery
reinventeratelier.myshopify.com reinventeratelier@outlook.com
Réinventer
Réinventer is a London and Paris-based brand founded by Zoe Preston-Blake. She has a strong background in both creativity and business, with a keen insight into what it takes to run and grow a successful brand. Her entrepreneurial journey began early, buying and selling clothing online. She developed an undivided outlook on consumer behaviour, value perception, and brand positioning.
After identifying a gap in the sustainable, affordable luxury womenswear market, Zoe dedicated her efforts to researching and understanding why more brands are not switching to sustainable practices, despite consumers’ demand for sustainable options, leading to the creation of Réinventer.
‘Garden of Secrets’ blends period essence with a contemporary look. Inspired by Marie Antionette and the Rococo era, it explores feminism’s impact on women’s fashion and lifestyle.
Zoe reimagines corsetry, creating comfortable and non-restrictive hourglass silhouettes, exploring modern corsetry and the illusion of structure.
Garden of Secrets
Council of the Garden instagram.com/sam_omoh_official osamuomoh@outlook.com
Sam Omoh’s love for art was what began his journey. As a child, art was everything. It was how he expressed his emotions, his thoughts and desires. As he grew up, he discovered art in other places. Living in Nigeria, he found art in what surrounded him, in clothes people wore and they way they expressed themselves through them. Sam aims to express himself through clothing and to make people happy through his designs. The thought of people gaining happiness because of his art was what cemented fashion in his heart.
Love is a very important part of who Sam is and it informs the core values of himself and his brand. Further, it is a large part of his collection ‘The Council of the Garden’, inspired by his grandmother’s jewellery and his childhood. The collection is a culmination of the things he loves and what inspires him.
Sam Omoh
eloise70.wixsite.com/serennow eloise@walker-online.co.uk
Hailing from North Wales, Eloise Seren Walker weaves her heritage into every design, drawing inspiration from the region’s rich history, folklore, and striking architecture, such as the intricate gothic elements of St. Winefride’s Well.
As the creative force behind Seren.e, Eloise embraces gothic counterculture as the foundation of her brand, blending it with influences from evolving dark-wear subcultures and traditional craftsmanship, and the gothic era itself. With a deep appreciation for individuality, her work reflects her belief that fashion should be a form of self-expression, free from societal judgment; an ethos captured in her brand’s motto: clothing without judgment.
Gothique
instagram.com/shekinahbysm shekinahbysmpl@outlook.com
Whispers of Identity
Shekinah Mampala sees herself as a storyteller, a story not told in words, but in silhouette, fabric, and feeling.
Shekinah’s work lives in the space between minimalism and maximalism, where clean curves and lines meet bold textures, and every detail is intentional. She creates powerful pieces that evoke a feeling; the aura a garment carries, the energy it gives off, and the confidence it allows the wearer to embody. Her designs are not meant to just be worn; they are meant to be felt.
‘Whispers of Identity’ explores the duality of Shekinah’s identity, merging her Congolese heritage with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from vintage Congolese style, her father’s wardrobe, and the bold self-expression of La Sape, the collection reinterprets heritage through her lens.
SHEKINAH BY SHEKINAH MAMPALA
Pola Lupinska, a graduate of BA (Hons) Fashion: Design, Branding and Entrepreneurship at JCA, took an unexpected yet transformational step in her career when she joined Evolve Studios as a talent and communications intern in July 2024. What began as a short-term internship soon progressed into a junior role, marking a pivotal chapter in her creative journey.
With a background as diverse as it is imaginative, Pola started out as a video game character concept artist and illustrator, later becoming a tattoo apprentice and eventually transitioning into fashion design. She had not envisioned public relations as a part of her professional path. Yet, the opportunity proved to be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences she’s had to date.
At Evolve Studios, Pola’s responsibilities were split between supporting talent and brand clients. On the talent side, she worked closely with influencers such as Nneka Michel and Nyokki Ho, coordinating their experiences across Lagos, New York, London, and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks. From securing accommodations and curating dining options to crafting vibrant itineraries, she played a key role in ensuring each trip was seamless and memorable.
Pola Lupinska Diary
Internship Experience
On the communications front, Pola engaged with renowned fashion brands like Nadine Merabi, Nur Karaata, Tissa Fontaneda, Loan Design Club, and JCA itself. Her work involved handling fashion samples, liaising with magazines and media, and securing press coverage that ranged from photoshoots and social media features to TV placements.
This hands-on experience helped her develop a previously untapped skill: professional communication. “Before this internship, emailing or reaching out to people in the industry felt completely out of my comfort zone,” Pola reflects. “Now, I feel confident and empowered. I’ve even hired my first staff members, and together we’re bringing LADY POLA to life, not just as a university project, but as a real brand.”
One of her stand out memories is the Nadine Merabi store launch on Regents Street during London Fashion Week. The event transformed the retail space into a lively hub of creativity and community, and she was even involved in coordinating an Instagram Q&A with Olympic silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who shared her experiences from the 2024 Paris Games.
Reflecting on her journey, Pola offers some advice to fellow students and aspiring fashion entrepreneurs: “If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to soak up every moment. Every week brought something new, and while I was eager to complete each task, I wish I had paused more to appreciate the beauty of the fashion world around me.”
When her peers at JCA ask whether the PR experience was worth it, Pola’s answer is an enthusiastic yes. For those dreaming of launching their own brands, she encourages them to explore PR, not just as a career path, but as a window into how great fashion moments are built through collaboration, creativity and communication.
www.south-ward.co.uk
southwardltd@gmail.com
Shaniya Southward is the founder behind British premium womenswear brand / SOUTH / WARD. She envisioned a brand that would resonate with women through casual comfort, whilst also honouring female empowerment and self-acceptance.
‘Nan Says Play Tennis’ is based on the women in Shaniya’s childhood who inspired her to be the woman she is today. The collection explores how childhood rituals lead to identity formation and nostalgia. Shaniya investigates the relationship between childhood memory and nostalgia in adults, and whether memory has a psychological purpose.
/ SOUTH / WARD is more than a premium women’s streetwear brand, it is about celebrating who we are and what makes us human.
/ SOUTH / WARD
Nan Says Play Tennis
Kamikakushi
www.tadldn.co.uk
tadofficiallondon@gmail.com
TAD represents a movement that never stands still. Combining ancient Japanese mysticism and urban street wear with a utilitarian look, TAD is an evolving sustainable ethos and a melting pot of cultures.
TAD speaks to the feminist movement, where gender has no borders; TAD is a movement as much as a brand.
The collection explores the Japanese and English heritage of the founder, Alissa Derrick. Representations of Japan include traditional Shinto clothing and Japanese workwear, specifically the use of wraps, ties and big silhouettes. These are combined with British military and workwear influences. The result is fresh, authentic and distinctive.
Under Command
instagram.com/wys4official wys4official@gmail.com
Saly Kone, the designer behind WYS4, is a visionary menswear designer redefining modern masculinity through purposeful design. Her work celebrates the structured elegance of the male form, crafting garments that embody strength, power, and quiet refinement. With bold silhouettes, rich textures, and uniform colour palettes, her pieces reflect a commitment to craftsmanship and intention.
At the core of Saly’s vision is purpose. She designs clothing that tells stories, celebrates identity, and empowers individuals to move through the world with clarity and confidence.
Inspired by military precision and the discipline of tailoring, Saly’s collections are rooted in structure and cultural depth. Born and raised in Paris with Ivorian heritage, her designs echo a blend of traditions, excellence, and artistry drawn from her diverse background.
To Saly, fashion is more than an industry – it is a transformative medium that challenges perceptions and invites self-expression. Guided by meaningful collaborations and human connection, her creative journey is as introspective as it is expressive.
www.yes-man.co.uk
yes-man-letstalk@outlook.com
Exploring concepts that relate to the designer’s own growth and struggles, Cerys Reece’s brand YES-MAN is a form of social commentary, expressing her beliefs on topics that hold personal connections.
‘Dressed in Isolation’ is an investigation into pre-hikikomori and the impact of mandatory isolation on young adult development in the context of postCOVID Western society.
Having a sustainable worldview and an enthusiasm for textile manipulation, Cerys’ street-coded menswear employs innovative distressed fabric explorations and Japanese pattern cutting methods.
MEET THE PANEL
Karen Millen OBE - Fashion & Interior Designer
Karen Millen OBE is an icon of British fashion, celebrated for her timeless aesthetic, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring influence on the industry. She launched her namesake brand in 1981 with just a £100 loan and grew it into a global powerhouse, with over 130 stores across cities including London, New York, and Tokyo. Known for her precise tailoring and effortlessly elegant designs, she was awarded an OBE in 2007 for her services to British fashion.
After stepping away from the brand in 2004, Karen returned to the industry in 2023 with The Founder—a limited-edition collection that marked a full-circle moment and reignited her creative expression. Today, she continues to inspire a new generation through mentorship, creative consultancy, and collaborations that reflect her refined design sensibility and passion for innovation.
JCA Graduate Exposition Awards
Astrid Joss - Fashion Editor
An esteemed beauty and fashion journalist, Astrid Joss is Beauty Director and Weddings Editor at Tatler UK. She oversees beauty and wedding content for the magazine including new health and wellness launches.
Astrid has previously worked at Vogue UK and Brides magazine.
A keen supporter of emerging designers, Astrid has championed them in Tatler’s 2025 Wedding Guide.
A stalwart of the global fashion industry, known for her approachability, Astrid frequently hosts events for the hottest fashion and beauty brands.
Astrid is known for her vast collection of heels and is always on the lookout for the next big accessory designer.
Alison has been recognised as one of the leading supporters of new generation talent in the fashion industry, encouraging enterprise development, future sector skills and knowledge. Awarded an MBE for Services to the Fashion Industry in HRH The Queen’s Birthday Honours 2017, Alison was also nominated and awarded as one of the Maserati 100 for 2016 for the support she gives the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
Alison is renowned for her practical, realistic approach to running a fashion business, sharing the knowledge and experience through her own fashion agencies, and in educational settings. Her published works on the subject include the Amazon No.1 bestseller, ‘How to Start Your Own Fashion Label’
and the academic textbook ‘Fashion Brand Management’ and is currently working on a new title for Routledge ‘Fashion Ethics and Sustainability: Exploring Social Purpose and Transparency in the Fashion Business’.
Alison now holds the titles of Creative Entrepreneur in Residence and Director of Careers and Enterprise at University of East London, offers mentoring and consultancy to start-up fashion brands around the world and is a judge for The Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
A passionate and motivational speaker, Alison is regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences and events.
Alison Lowe MBE - PR Guru & Author
BA (Hons) Graduates
BA (Hons) Fashion: Design, Branding & Entrepreneurship
Alissa Derrick
Amy Evans
Ashleigh Stephens
Bernard Kryska
Cherlyn Ornika
Elin Williams
Eloise Walker
Immanuel Osamudiame Omoh
Joana Appiah
Katie McMahon
Kinar Ornika
Kira McDermott
Leonnie Moore
Olivia Parkinson
Pola Lupinska
Sabel Njie
Saly Kone
Shekinah Mampala
Sofia Marzola
Tania Florez
Zoe Preston-Blake
BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Accessories
Angelina Kenna
Ben McDonald
Cerys Reece
Ela Kaz
Gracie Matthews
Hazel Deller
Jennifer Duffy
Joel Owusu
Lily Wild
Lavinia Udadewa
Madison Spedding
Maheshi Warnasooriya
Olamide Lajuwomi
Patricia Soufan
Sanziana Vetis
Shaniya Southward
CONNECT WITH US
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