Late last month, Prof. Jimmy Choo’s JCA, in collaboration with the London Fashion Academy, celebrated its first Undergraduate show at the historic Boston Manor House campus, spotlighting four emerging designers from the Design and Accessories cohort.
These designers, who joined JCA at its Mayfair opening in September 2021, have since crafted their own unique brands. The Boston Manor campus officially opened in 2022, providing a picturesque setting for their debut collections.
In an interview, Jimmy Choo shared his vision for the JCA: “Education has always been very important to me and the JCA enables me to support emerging designers. The JCA was founded on the idea that we didn’t want to be just another design school, we wanted to set up our learners with the resources and industry network to have an actual living brand by the time they leave.
“We take a tailored approach to each student and work with them individually rather than offering a general focus curriculum. It took time to open the school because I wanted to make sure we did it right,” says Choo.
The JCA, hailed as ‘revolutionary’ by government ministers and ‘design trailblazers’ by industry insiders, is dedicated to nurturing emerging designer entrepreneurs. With a tailored curriculum that focuses on individual disciplines, the academy supports the growth of innovative fashion talent.
Jimmy Choo emphasized the school’s selective approach: “As a niche academic institution, we are very selective in our candidate selection. The process is based on academic and creative potential because we aren’t just a design school.
“At the JCA, we prepare the learners to launch their brands so there is an equal curriculum focus between vocational skills and business acumen. We take a very individualized and tailored approach for each student so we take care to understand each prospective learner to have the drive and vision to have their brands.”
The inaugural show, held in the 400-year-old Boston Manor House, began at 3 pm and was followed by a summer party hosted by Prof. Jimmy Choo. Guests enjoyed prosecco and pinot grigio from Voga Italia and a selection of London Essence soft drinks.
DEBUT DESIGNERS
ALLANDRE BY ANDREEA PIRLOG
Andreea Pirlog’s Allandre is a bespoke luxury brand, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. “My inaugural collection is dedicated to raising awareness about mental illness, particularly targeting individuals in the fashion industry and other fields where the relentless demands and stress of our fast-paced world can become overwhelming. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and mindful of these challenges.”
TAYLA-LILY BY TAYLA BRACE
Tayla-lily by Tayla Brace created a genderless streetwear brand with a focus on comfort and oversized silhouettes, inspired by the beauty and complexity of Japan’s Aokigahara Forest. “The Aokigahara Forest is shrouded in darkness, but I saw the beauty in the forest itself. I resonated with the complexity of the forest and wanted to make something to honor it.”
REELL BY JAZZY NEWNHAM
Jazzy Newnham’s Reell is a menswear brand celebrating nostalgia through heritage fabrics, music, and fishing, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability by upcycling unused fishing bivvies. “Reflecting back on nostalgic memories is something that everyone can relate to. This collection means a lot to me because I have reinvented a family hobby, fishing, into the world of fashion. This has allowed me to share men’s mental health awareness. I hope to inspire men to feel confident in what they wear and within themselves as if it’s a contagious smile.”
DEMI O’SHEO BY DEMI O’SHEA COLTON
Demi Colton O’Shea’s Demi O’Shea is specializing in bespoke garments using 3D printing technology and ethical crafting, aiming to revolutionize fashion with sustainable and timeless pieces. “The aim is to revolutionize fashion by leveraging new materials like plastics, fused powders, resin, and metals, enabling limitless creativity. Through 3D printing, we are committed to sustainability and creating timeless pieces for diverse communities. This commitment extends to biodegradable accessories, minimizing trends and reducing mass production.”
Jimmy Choo also offered essential advice to the graduating students: “My advice is to continue building your network and community with people from a wide range of disciplines. The more you can learn from others the better because knowledge really is power. Having a strong network of people around you to lean on for support is important.”
JCA’s unique approach combines vocational design skills with business education, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the fashion industry.
The show also featured a mini-exhibition of five looks from first and second-year students, selected through a competition: Angel’s Genesis by Angelia Kenna, Pistachio & Lemon by Rowena Naylor, Gracie by Gracie Matthews, Saturnine by Ciaran Beeby, and Cerys Reece by Cerys Reece.
While the event took place late last month, the work of these designers deserves continued attention. Keep an eye out for their future contributions to the fashion world, as they exemplify the innovative spirit and creative excellence that JCA fosters.
