ECA graduate wins M&S backing

An Edinburgh College of Art graduate will have one of her designs sold by Marks & Spencer after winning a prestigious fashion award.

Jett Sweeney, 23, was crowned Fashion Graduate of the Year 2010 at the Scottish Fashion Awards after designing an evening cocktail dress for Marks & Spencer’s ‘Limited Collection’ range.

Marks & Spencer, who sponsored the award, selected Ms Sweeney’s black mini dress with pleated skirt and brass detailing from the designs of four nominees. It will now be produced and sold in branches across the UK at the retail price of £95.

Ms Sweeney spent a month alongside Marks & Spencer’s designers in London where she was able to view the design process and gain first-hand experience with one of the UK’s largest retailers.

She told The Journal: “The most valuable part of my placement was learning how the design process works within high street design. I was primarily in charge of helping the team research and develop new trends. It was also great to see the first samples of my dress come back from the suppliers.”

At a time when graduate unemployment is hitting a record high, the production of Ms Sweeney’s dress is a promising prospect for other students looking to break into the fashion industry.

Ms Sweeney continued: “It feels great to have my name linked to one of the British high street’s biggest retailers and I’m very grateful that I’ve had this kind of recognition for my work at such an early stage in my design career.

“I definitely think it’s a great idea to have retailers investing in new talent. It’s great to have been given the opportunity to have my work showcased on a national scale.”

The Scottish Fashion Awards celebrated its fifth annual ceremony in Glasgow last June where Ms Sweeney received her award. Other attendees included Young Designer of the Year Holly Fulton, whose work appeared in Sex And The City 2.

Pop star Gabriella Cilmi and Dolce & Gabbana model David Gandy also attended the awards.