"Graduate Fashion Week is all about finding the new generation of designers and it really fits with Per Aquum's vision" says Per Aquum's Stacey Dean when we catch up backstage, "It's all about making a difference in the fashion industry". 

Per Aquum have returned to Graduate Fashion Week for a fourth year as a sponsor, and have given one Graduate in particular, the career boost of a lifetime, with the Per Aquum Marketing Award. "I’m ecstatic, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me" exclaims Hayley. We've grabbed her as she steps off of the stage, and the excitement still shows.

Describing her work as "innovative", Hayley's work impressed the Judges and Presenters alike. Bip Ling, who came to present Hayley with her award chatted to us backstage, saying "I heard it was a really close call so I'm really happy for her!", and who can blame the Judges, with so much creative talent on offer...

"Graduate Fashion Week fits with us nurturing the next generation of talent coming through and I have to say it has been amazing to see some of the projects here" adds Stacey, "There is definitely avenues for students within Per Aquum." 

Keep it here, at the Graduate Fashion Week blog for an exclusive interview with Stacey Dean, coming soon!

Image by GFW Photographer Hannah Wilson

Interview conducted by GFW Contributor Katie Agar