CONNECTIVENESS BIRMINGHAM EVENT, Birmingham City University,College of Jewellery, Fashion & Textiles

CONNECTIVENESS

THE COLLEGE OF JEWELLERY, FASHION & TEXTILES

VISION

To build a lasting legacy from an outstanding Birmingham Fashion, Textile and Jewellery Showcase which inspires excitement and curiosity, delivering lasting connections with our city and meaningful engagement with our stakeholders and local communities.

ABOUT

Welcome to BCU’s award winning College of Jewellery, Fashion, and Textiles (CoJFT), a globally focused College at the forefront of crafts skills and creative digital transformation. Our mission is to provide lifelong learning and transferable skills, rooted in heritage, sustainability, and global interconnectedness. As a hub for craft and digital excellence, we strive to foster exploration, discovery, and transformation in all aspects of our programmes and initiatives.

CoJFT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Community-driven approach nurturing individual talent for innovation and leadership.

• Renowned for award-winning programmes, offering practice-based courses in excellent facilities and master craft skills.

• Emphasis on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in crafting future industry leaders.

FASHION DESIGN BA (Hons) PROGRAMME:

• Offers three specialised pathways: Fashion Textiles, Fashion Design, and Digital Fashion.

• Student-centred learning environment fostering personal development, aligned with industry expectations.

• Focussed on innovative approaches and contemporary.

At its culmination, the CoJFT Showcase will feature a fashion show, a Jewellery, textiles, and fashion promotion exhibition, showcasing the students’ creative achievements.... with the opportunity for local Birmingham community groups and SME fashion and craft maker business to present alongside our showcase.

OBJECTIVE

Our aims with ‘Connectiveness’, are to unite businesses and the community, fostering connections and collaborative opportunities for emerging creative talent. Additionally, we aim to showcase Birmingham City University’s excellence and commitment to global innovation and inclusivity.

• Reinforce: Position the Birmingham College of Jewellery, Fashion, & Textiles as a regional, national, and global centre of excellence.

• Establish Connections: for students to engage with the city’s businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration.

• Showcase Emerging Talent: Provide a stage for students to present their innovative designs.

• Promote Sustainability: Champion eco-friendly fashion, jewellery and textiles that align with the values of our community-conscious city and advocate responsible practices in the industry.

• Foster Inclusivity: Celebrate diversity by showcasing styles that resonate with and represent people from various backgrounds and cultures.

CONNECTING WITH THE CITY:

• Fashion Hub: Create an environment where emerging designers can network with businesses and foster potential collaborations.

• Media: Forge connections between designers and press/media representatives to amplify the event’s reach and highlight Birmingham’s innovation.

• Community Engagement: Strengthen ties with Charites, local authorities, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) to create a lasting impact on Birmingham’s economic and cultural landscape through fashion-led initiatives.

• Retail: Provide a platform for budding designers to engage with retail leaders,

DATE: JUNE 18,2024

LOCATION:

Oozells Square, connecting to the city’s sustainable landmark— 10 Brindleyplace and the esteemed Ikon Gallery.

FOCUS:

Showcase creative prowess by BA students in fashion, jewellery, and textiles.

• Ikon Gallery: VIP reception

• Oozells Square: Entertainment, Community showcase and Catwalk

• 10 X: Jewellery, Textiles and Fashion Promotion exhibition (possible 5 days)

SCHEDULE:

• 6:00 – 7:00 pm: pre drinks reception at the Ikon

• 7:00 pm: Seated for the show in Oozells Square

• 7:00 pm: Entertainment

• 7:15pm: Community Group / Local independent businesses fashion showcase

• 7:40 pm: The BCU Graduate Showcase

• 8:00 pm: 10 X Drink reception, exhibition PV and DJ

• 10:00pm: Carriages

EVENT

Step into the vibrant world of fashion as Birmingham City University proudly presents ‘Connectiveness.’ Beyond a traditional catwalk, this event serves as a cultural bridge connecting the creativity of graduating students with the heart and soul of Birmingham. More than just a runway, it’s an immersive experience where innovation, diversity, and style converge in a celebration of the city’s unique spirit. The runway itself acts as a metaphorical pathway, symbolising the artistic journey and connection between the designers and the essence of the city.

ATTENDEES:

• Local business leaders

• Media influencers

• CEO business leaders

• Creatives, designers, artist communities

• Community members

• Charites

• Investors in new talent

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Live orchestras and musicians RBC

• Elmhurst Dance School collaboration

• Community Group / Local independent businesses fashion showcase

• Presence of talented music stars

• DJ sessions

• Drinks reception, show and after party.

• Seven-day static Jewellery & Textiles Exhibition

CREATIVE DIRECTION by Lee Lapthorne:

Recently appointed Head of College, Lee Lapthorne, brings a wealth of creative experience and energy to this initiative. Renowned within the international fashion industry as an expert in fashion curation & consultancy, Lee is the founder and director of the internationally recognised On|Off @onofflondon ; the fashion talent consultant platform and official ON Schedule London Fashion Week calendar catwalk showcase.

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COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Collaborate with ‘Connectiveness’ to amplify your organisation’s stature and engage with a diverse audience.

By participating, you gain invaluable exposure, networking prospects, and brand visibility.

Aligning with ‘Connectiveness’ showcases your commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and positive community impact in Birmingham and the region.

CONTACTS:

Lee Lapthorne: Lee.Lapthorne@bcu.ac.uk

Andrew Riley: andrew@stylebham.com

Kay Cadman: KayCadman@core-marketing.co.uk

BIRMINGHAM