Following two successful years, Bright Young Things – the project which helped launch the careers of Simone Rocha, Christopher Shannon, Alex Noble and Maarten van der Horst – returns to Selfridges for a third edition. Bolder and more compelling than ever before and in a new diary slot, the initiative continues to act as Selfridges’ singular take on the designers to watch this year within and beyond fashion
From 2 September until 17 October, a change from the usual January start of previous years, Bright Young Things 2013 will usher in the traditional season of design celebrations around the UK, with its new showcase of un-missable emerging creative talents.
Selected by a panel led by members of the Selfridges’ Creative Team under the directorship of Creative Director Alannah Weston, and which includes Selfridges’ top buyers, merchandisers, window designers and stylists, the Bright Young Things of 2013 feature a total of fifteen UK-based rising stars from the worlds of fashion, art and design and food.
All Bright Young Things were shortlisted on the strength of their creative vision and the outstanding quality of their craft. All recent graduates or emerging professionals, hundreds of potential candidates were considered by the panel before the final shortlist was agreed.
The Class of 2013 features three womenswear fashion designers, two menswear fashion designers, four accessories designers, five art and design talents and one food creator. Whilst all based in the UK, some of this year’s Bright Young Things hail from other shores including South Korea and Japan, bringing with them an undeniably fresh outlook into their creation.
As is customary with the initiative, the Bright Young Things will each have the privilege to create their own display in one of Selfridges’ world-famous Oxford Street windows. They will be free to express their brand as they wish, working with the renowned Selfridges windows team. With over one million people walking past the iconic windows every week, the displays will provide an incredible launch-pad for these fledgling designers to showcase their brand vision and creations to the public.
Bright Young Things product, most of which will be limited edition pieces created especially for Selfridges, will be sold in a dedicated temporary shop to be set up in Selfridges’ Concept Store on the ground floor’s Wonder Room. An exclusive range of tee-shirts, all bearing a unique design signifying each Bright Young Thing’s brand essence will also be available from the shop. Finally, a new addition to the initiative is the introduction of a mentoring scheme. Each Bright Young Thing will be advised throughout the Selfridges collaboration and beyond, by a relevant Selfridges mentor to help pave their way for a successful future.
Alannah Weston, Selfridges’ Creative Director, comments: “One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is to apply the considerable might of our brand to seek, find and nurture young talents whenever possible and wherever they are.There would be no future for our retail industry and many other creative industries if there was not renewal of ideas, no fresh approach and only place for the tried and tested. Selfridges is the perfect laboratory to give the designers of tomorrow a chance to make their mark on our customers today and our Bright Young Things initiative is our annual celebration of the very essence of creativity - newness and excitement.”
THE BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS 2013 ARE: WOMENSWEAR: Daniel Pollitt, Sadie Williams, Yeashin MENSWEAR: Alan Taylor, Hiroaki Kanai ACCESSORIES: Grace Hamilton, Sarah Williams of Williams British Handmade Keely Hunter, Cari Marsden of the Co Project ART & DESIGN: Eleanor Davies, Anna Lomax, Clementine Keith-Roach, Katy Beverage,The Poundshop FOOD: Tasha Marks of AVM Curiosities
The Bright Young Things will also be hosting a series of events in store over the coming weeks, ranging from talks and interactive workshops to practical classes. For more information visit the Selfridges website at www.selfridges.com
Love Laurel x
