NOT JUST A LABEL
GRADUATE SEASON REVIEW
18 AUGUST 2023
MARINA TEUBAL
EVERY YEAR GROUPS OF TALENTED DESIGNERS GET READY TO BID ADIEU TO THEIR FELLOW INSTITUTIONS AND VENTURE INTO THE LION’S DEN THAT IS THE FASHION INDUSTRY. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR SELECTION OF JAW-DROPPING, EYE-OPENING COLLECTIONS, OUR ONES-TO-WATCH, WHO ARE NOW PART OF THE NJAL COMMUNITY.
Every year, come early May and lasting until July’s summer days, groups of talented designers get ready to bid adieu to their fellow institutions and venture into the lion’s den that is the Fashion Industry. But before the turning of the tassel or the tossing of the caps into the air, one of the most awaited moments is the acclaimed Graduate Show; where graduating students get to showcase their thesis collections, the culmination of all their hard work, to the world. Ranging from Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion in London, to Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design in New York City. From The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp to ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem, to name a few.
Throughout history, these Universities have seen the birth of today’s most renowned international fashion designers, such as John Galliano (Central Saint Martins), Dries Van Noten (Royal Academy of Finde Arts) and Iris Van Herpen (ArtEZ University of the Arts), and continue to be incubating hubs of emerging talent, or, as we like to call them, history in the making.
As per tradition, either at Master or Undergraduate level, Class of 2023 did not disappoint and Not Just a Label, both in the virtual and physical realms, was there front row to scout it all. Without further ado, let us introduce you to our selection of jaw-dropping, eye-opening collections, our ones-to-watch, who are now part of the NJAL Community.
JAY ZHONG | UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER
Zhong Studio is a London-based fashion brand focusing on extreme silhouettes and unusual material choices such as waste metal and plastics. Inspired by the clash of East Asian and Western influences, Zhong is fascinated by subcultures, flirts with dark influences and explores gender fluidity, pushing the limits of what is stereotypically known as masculine and feminine. His graduate collection, “The Lost City” imagines a post-apocalyptic future where warriors wage war against evil, making the need for armour and protective gear a must. Think the heroes journey, circa year 4000.
Sustainability and craftsmanship, Sci-Fi madness, heritage, this season had it all. We see a bright future ahead in the hands of the Class of 2023, and we’re eager to see what they’ll do next.
