Nottingham Trent University was recently selected as the only university from Europe to participate in Spinexpo, one of the largest international fairs for fibres, yarns and knitwear in Shanghai, China.

Students’ work from the university’s School of Art & Design was on display at Spinexpo this week and t an event that was attended by thousands of designers, buyers and decision makers from retailers, international brands and manufacturers.

Nottingham Trent University showcased garments and fabrics from 24 students who have recently graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Textile Design or Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles. Items on display had a focus on tactile elements such as knitwear with weaves and embellishments.

Taking opportunity

Thea Sanders, winner of the Graduate Fashion Week 2013 Stuart Peters Visionary Knitwear Award, was showcasing a knitted dress inspired by colourful tile designs. Work from the students was also on display at the show’s yarn marketing area. Garments and sample fabrics created by students from undergraduate and postgraduate courses form an inspiring collection of designs that use yarns from participating spinners.

Tina Downes, acting course leader in Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Being the only European university invited to present at the exposition is a wonderful opportunity for us. It enables us to showcase the students’ work and form stronger links with industry, helping to set up work placements and internships.

“Through these partnerships we’re also able to organise sponsorship for the students, so they can be provided with donated yarns from market-leading suppliers. This exposes them to high quality yarns they may not ordinarily be able to source and enables the students to explore different design directions.”

Cooperation

As part of the event Nottingham Trent University graduates Laylah Cook and Katy Whitehead were selected to work with Sophie Steller, the fair’s trend director, to install the show’s trend and marketing area. Sophie Steller said: "The new generation of ideas brings a freshness that visitors are very excited to see."

Helen Hill, senior lecturer in Fashion, Knitwear and Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University also hosted a seminar on garment longevity, addressing how designers can create more sustainable clothing.

Karine Van Tassel, founder and organiser of Spinexpo, said: “Our partnership with Nottingham Trent University has increased with mutual respect, as Spinexpo consider the university to be one of the best, worldwide. At the moment, England is the vanguard in terms of style and techniques, so we go for the crème de la crème.”

www.ntu.ac.uk