Fenwick’s first of its kind university partnership gives Kent students a platform for their brands and opportunities to gain retail experience
Kent students will showcase their brands – including streetwear and perfume – at Fenwick’s Canterbury store on Wednesday 11 November, as part of a partnership with the family-owned department store group.
Fenwick signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kent this summer – the company’s first with a university. Its agreement with Kent includes student design projects, opportunities to apply for seasonal jobs and events bringing students and employers together.
Perfume brand FromAmora and streetwear label Selah GT will have pop-ups on the shop floor and a feature in a catwalk show at Kent x Fenwick Live.
They are taking part through ASPIRE, Kent’s programme supporting students to develop business ideas and start their own ventures. The Gulbenkian business networking evening will give them a chance to introduce their products, hear feedback and make contacts with local employers.
Among those taking part is David Okotie, a film student and Founder of Selah GT, who will be showcasing his brand at the event. He said: ‘‘Over the years, through school, college and beyond, constant mentorship shaped my vision and defined the kind of leader I wanted to become. Ultimately, coming to the University of Kent was the next big test – an opportunity to strive outside of London, step out of my comfort zone, and discover who I am beyond the city that raised me.
It’s easy to dream about starting a business, going big, and going ‘Hollywood’, but it’s the unexpected stepping stones along the way that always shock me – the moments that make the grind real and prove the growth is actually happening. Having the opportunity to showcase my brand at Fenwick is one of those moments.”
Going from campus to catwalk, students and alumni will also model Fenwick’s autumn/winter collections, including Barbour, Never Fully Dressed, Ralph Lauren and All Saints, with themes such as Bonfire Night, Cosy Season and of course Party Wear, Kent student societies will perform, with alumnus Zaid Mahmood hosting the evening.
Fenwick and Kent previously worked together on Threads & Legends at the University earlier this year. The show marked Kent’s 60th anniversary with six decades of fashion and music, featuring student designers, ASPIRE brands and performances by student societies.
Rebecca Smith, Lecturer in Employability and Entrepreneurship at Kent Business School, said: “We have some incredibly talented and ambitious student entrepreneurs at Kent, and this event is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their own businesses and brands alongside an established name like Fenwick. It’s a chance to celebrate what they’ve already achieved, raise their profiles and make valuable connections that could help take their businesses to the next level.
“We’re passionate about helping students develop the skills, confidence and professional networks that will serve them throughout their careers. Events like this bring the worlds of education and business together, creating opportunities to learn from each other and build relationships.”
Students in the School of Arts and Architecture are also working on a brief to design greeting cards for Fenwick. Applications for seasonal jobs with the retailer have opened to Kent students.
Hugo Fenwick, Retail Managing Director at Fenwick, said: “As part of our burgeoning partnership with University of Kent, we are delighted that the Aspire entrepreneur students will be presenting their fashion collections as part of the Kent x Fenwick Live Fashion Show. Not only are the students able to showcase their collections instore, the event provides them valuable practical experience of the fashion industry with all the garment preparation and styling required on the night.”
The evening will raise funds for Belonging at Kent. Donations pay for bursaries and student support packages, including help for students facing financial crisis. Guests will also be invited to offer practical support, such as work placements.
Tickets cost £17.50 and include cocktails, nibbles and goodies. Book through the Gulbenkian Box Office.