News / 28 Jul 2025

Recent Fashion Design graduate awarded the British Fashion Council NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER Education Fund

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Recent BA (Hons) Fashion Design graduate Sam Brown is one of just four graduates across the UK and internationally to be awarded the British Fashion Council, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER Education Fund.

In partnership with the British Fashion Council, the NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER Education Fund provides both financial support and dedicated mentoring to BA fashion graduates.

The fund was set up to support students at the grass-roots stage of their career, and is designed to break down barriers and nurture final year students as they embark on their design careers.

Final-year students studying at a network of UK universities within the BFC Colleges Council, alongside selected international institutions, are eligible to apply.

“I am honoured to announce I have been selected as a winner of the British Fashion Council x NET-A-PORTER & MR PORTER Education Fund. As a recipient I will get a mentor and funding to aid in progressing my brand which will be invaluable to moving forward in the industry. I can't wait to progress to the next steps in my career and am so thankful to everyone that has helped me along the way. Funds like this are invaluable in giving working-class creatives a chance to prove themselves in the industry and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity.”

Sam Brown, BA (Hons) Fashion Design graduate

Sam’s graduate collection, Metamorphosis, explores a fictional world in which humans undergo a moth-like metamorphosis, a narrative mirroring Sam’s own gender transition. The collection utilises unconventional pattern cutting techniques, alongside innovative, natural and biodegradable materials to create a multi-sensory experience.

Sam also invites the wearer to consider the symbology of the skins used throughout the collection. The raw edges of the lambskin hides have a significant impact on the final silhouette of all the garments giving a second-life to the animals, and as a "deliberate choice to represent the rise of transgender people being used as a political 'sacrificial-lamb.'"

“The journey of transition was elegantly embodied by Sam Brown’s work, incredible illustrations and manipulation of fabrics that demonstrated a blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.”

Liza Canneford, MR PORTER director of private labels and circular services

The collection focuses on the process of creation rather than the final product. Throughout the construction process the garments designs continually evolved due irregular properties of the natural materials. If the collection was to be reproduced it would be impossible to completely replicate.

“We are very proud of Sam and all they have achieved throughout their degree. The work is really personal, reflecting their transitioning experience, but also created with truly innovative materials and creative cutting techniques.”

Nicola Knight, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Fashion Design

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