MAXXAM and Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF) have announced the second year of their national student design competition, inviting fashion students in the UK and internationally to explore womenswear concepts using MAXXAM’s seamless, four-way stretch textiles.

Open to second- and final-year students from GFF member universities, the 2025/26 brief asks entrants to create a trend-led S/S 2027 capsule collection. This year’s focus is on interchangeable, multipurpose athleisure-inspired pieces, with particular emphasis on swimwear, reflecting MAXXAM’s heritage in body-con dressing and adaptable silhouettes.

Students are encouraged to experiment with stripe variations, jacquards and surface effects, alongside sustainable design approaches aligned with the brand’s low-waste manufacturing aims and its move towards bio-based fibres.

Rosemary Moore, inventor of the original MAXXAM fabric, said the initiative is designed to connect with emerging talent and give finalists insight into UK production. She added that students may also be taken behind the scenes of textile manufacturing in the Midlands, particularly where concepts can be explored in practice.

First created in the early 1980s, MAXXAM became known for its distinctive crinkle texture, technical performance and inclusive fit, and has appeared on international runways as well as entering the Victoria and Albert Museum collection. The textile continues to evolve, with new textures and sustainable yarn developments intended to expand creative possibilities for designers.

Nicola Hitchens, Charity and Event Director at Graduate Fashion Foundation, said the partnership aims to support innovation and future-facing design, while giving students the opportunity to work with an established textile.

Three finalists will be selected to produce a full look from their range, working with MAXXAM Textiles and UK manufacturing partners. The finished looks will be showcased at Graduate Fashion Week 2026, including exhibition display and presentation on the catwalk during the Gala Show.

One overall winner will be selected by Rosemary Moore and announced on the Gala runway on 18 June 2026, receiving a trophy, a £250 cash prize and further industry mentoring. Students are also encouraged to share their progress online using #MaxxamXGFW.

www.maxxamtextiles.com

www.graduatefashionfoundation.com