Sainsbury's Tu adds to GFW scholarships with mentors Oliver Spencer, Henry Holland

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 12, 2017

Two graduate fashion designers will have the opportunity to be mentored by British designers Oliver Spencer and Henry Holland as part of a Tu at Sainsbury’s partnership with Graduate Fashion Week, the organisations said this week.

Based on the success of last year’s Scholarship Award, Sainsbury’s clothing brand Tu has expanded the 2017 award to two winners, a womenswear and a menswear graduate, who will embark on a 12-month mentorship programme and complete a paid placement with Tu’s design department.

The winners will be coached by the in-house teams and gain insight into the fashion industry, as well as having access to Henry Holland and Oliver Spencer through monthly meetings and creative sessions. The initiative will culminate in the launch of the designers’ own collections in-store.

“[The programme] gives a great opportunity for graduates to get first-hand knowledge of working within the industry, from the factory floor to the shop floor. In an age where sustainability and quality are such a driving force it is important that we show the way for the next generation so they can tread a sustainable pathway within our industry,” said menswear designer Spencer.

The Tu Scholarship Award joins more than 20 accolades at Graduate Fashion Week, the annual event providing a showcasing platform for new talent. The world’s largest event for BA Fashion talent will take place this year on 4-7 June at the Old Truman Brewery in London.

“So much of my learning over the years has been learning from my mistakes so if I can help someone else not follow in my footsteps and guide them through the challenges in any way then I am so happy to be able to do so,” said Henry Holland.

As part of the partnership, Tu at Sainsbury’s will be present during GFW hosting a Tu hub within the sponsorship floor. This interactive space will be set-up for graduates to visit with their portfolios to obtain advice and apply for recruitment opportunities directly from the Tu team. There will be also masterclasses for all attendees.