Uniting graduate fashion talent in the North of England

This June marks the launch of Fashion Alliance North, a student-centred, cross-regional, multi-institutional beacon for graduate fashion talent in the North of England, devised by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Leeds Beckett University (LBU).

The initiative is the brainchild of Andrew Ibi, Fashion Programme and Department Lead at LJMU, and Sam Hudson-Miles, Course Director for Fashion at LBU. Together they believe that bringing together two Northern cities - considered to be cultural powerhouses - sends a message to British fashion to think more broadly and inclusively in engaging, supporting, and building confidence and pride in regional talent.

Northern-based annual graduate fashion event

A key output of the alliance moving forwards will be an annual graduate fashion event hosted in the North with a mixed institution format rather than singular university showcases, themed by style and mood.  

The inaugural event launches on Friday 6 June 2025, from 5pm to 8pm, hosted by LBU in their state-of-the art Leeds School of Arts space. The event will showcase physical collections as well as fashion film and art direction.

Other institutions are invited to build Fashion Alliance North, with a view to grow the initiative to a six-university roving celebration of Northern fashion politics, sentiments and pride, each year pitching a major Northern UK city as the host.

Moving away from a London-centric narrative

“Sam and I would always meet annually, but accidentally, for a chit-chat down in London for the Graduate Shows. Why are we down here again? It made sense when I was working at Kingston – but it didn’t really make sense when I moved North,” says Andrew.

Fashion and our British cultural perspectives are being challenged – the North has its own energy and vibe, and contributes immense talent to the global fashion conversation, historically it has been instrumental in shaping British fashion style culture and identities. To add to that, the ghastly economics of London are making it increasingly more difficult to be a creative practitioner in any field – let alone be a student in the Arts! Maybe that idea should change? Let’s try something different.

Andrew Ibi, Liverpool School of Art & Design

Fashion Alliance North is committed to de-centering elite notions about fashion, dispelling the myth that fashion talent, and the industry, is purely London-centric.

Sam says: “We are dedicated to supporting our fashion graduates about to enter the industry through an inclusive approach to our students' cultural ownership of their Northern heritage and positioning, shining a light on the importance and relevance of Northern fashion talent, class, and identity, and connecting and uniting leading thinkers, fashion academics, and the fashion industry - from practitioners and micro businesses to global brands”.

Northern pride

The North has always been here you just weren’t looking. Working, printing, weaving, crafting and laughing all the while. I’m proud to have been raised and surrounded by it all as it’s shaped everything about me. I am Northern and that’s not going to change ever.

Mike Walker, a final year Menswear designer at LJMU

“Being from the North, we are such a community. Studying Fashion here, it has always been home for me. I am from Manchester and have always seen it as one of the homes of fashion for England, so wanted to stay close to home and prosper as a designer with where I truly associate myself to be forever,” adds Emily Wilkinson, final year Fashion Design at LBU.

Industry support and endorsement

With the alliance having been championed by Sarah Mower MBE, Fashion Alliance North are currently in conversation with McQueen, Burberry, and the British Fashion Council, regarding industry support and endorsement.

Sam adds: “The future for our Northern fashion graduates is here – genuinely student-centric, celebratory, and democratic, Fashion Alliance North is the new trailblazer.”

Contact Fashion Alliance North

For launch event tickets or further information email Andrew Ibi or email Sam Hudson-Miles.