A FASHION design graduate from Teesside University is completing a prestigious training programme to experience working in the fashion industry.

Emily Dey was selected earlier this year for the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP Modern Artisan paid training programme in responsible design and luxury textile craftsmanship.

The programme brings together eight artisans, four British fashion and textiles graduates, along with four Italian graduates, to embark on a collaborative ten-month paid training programme which focuses on responsible design and sustainable luxury textile craftsmanship.

Online luxury and fashion retailer YOOX NET-A-PORTER and The Prince’s Foundation are supporting the eight trainee artisans through the process of designing and handcrafting a luxury collection with sustainability at its heart.

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The resulting womenswear capsule collection is due to debut to customers on NET-A-PORTER and YOOX in late Summer 2022. Profits from the sale of the collection will be donated to The Prince’s Foundation to support the charity in developing and delivering training programmes that will help preserve traditional textile skills.

Emily, 23, from Middlesbrough, who completed her Teesside University degree last year, had to complete a rigorous selection process before being chosen as one of eight graduate artisans.

She said: “I’ve always dreamed of owning my own womenswear brand in the future, but before that happens, I want to learn all I can about the industry. An opportunity like this is just perfect because I am learning so much.”

The artisans have been completing immersive design training, guided by industry experts at YOOX NET-A-PORTER headquarters in London and Milan. The eight artisans are due to come together early next year at The Prince’s Foundation’s Dumfries House headquarters in East Ayrshire, Scotland, for intensive training in luxury small batch production and gain the skills to handcraft the collection to the highest of standards.

They will also take part in industry visits to Italy and receive ongoing mentorship from YOOX NET-A-PORTER, The Prince’s Foundation and brand partners.

Emily, who spent time working as an exhibition co-ordinator in the fashion department of Teesside University’s MIMA School of Art & Design, said: “Sustainability in fashion has always been something I have been passionate about and my internship with MIMA only gave me more knowledge in that area.

“I have had such an amazing time on the programme. I have met so many lovely, talented people and I am learning so much about the industry.

“The amount of knowledge and experiences I have gained is amazing and I feel very lucky to be part of such an exciting programme. It has already taught me so much that I can take forward into my future career.”

Lynne Hugill, fashion lecturer at MIMA School of Art & Design, said: “I am so happy for Emily, this is a brilliant opportunity. Emily was a 2020 lockdown graduate and an excellent student.

“Selection for the training programme involved a rigorous process and her intern work for MIMA, which involved sourcing sustainable fabrics for an exhibition also impressed the interview panel. She also had to demonstrate her technical skills.”

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