{"id":7351,"date":"2026-07-23T21:53:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/wearewestminster\/?p=7351"},"modified":"2026-07-24T14:42:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:42:09","slug":"behind-the-collection-from-heritage-to-runway-with-fashion-design-ba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/wearewestminster\/behind-the-collection-from-heritage-to-runway-with-fashion-design-ba\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind the collection: From heritage to runway with Fashion Design BA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our Fashion Design BA<\/a> final-year show celebrated the creativity, innovation and craftsmanship of the next generation of fashion designers. Showcasing collections developed through months of research, experimentation and making, the event highlighted the unique creative identities of graduating students and their ability to respond to contemporary themes through fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attended by industry professionals, the show provided students with the opportunity to share their work with influential figures from across the fashion sector. From concept development to final collection, each piece reflected the technical expertise, creative vision and industry-ready skills students have developed throughout their studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahead of the show, we spoke with Aliyah, who shared her experience of studying Fashion at Westminster, the inspiration behind her collection and what it means to present her work to industry professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are you most excited about for your end of year show?<\/strong>
I’m most excited to finally share my work with a wider audience and see how people respond to the collection after months of development and refinement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How has your course prepared you for your final collection?<\/strong>
The course has helped me build both my technical skills and creative confidence, allowing me to develop a collection that reflects my own design identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What inspired your designs and final collection?<\/strong>
My collection was inspired by themes of identity, culture, and personal storytelling, which I explored through silhouette, colour, and textile choices. Investigating the balance between structure and fluidity. My womenswear draws many references from my heritage, particularly the Ghanaian smock, which has informed the creation of this sculptural, contemporary womenswear collection. Clear, bold blocks of colour reflect Ghanaian sensibilities, where tones stand side by side providing drama and contrast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The loom and the weaving process have influenced the unconventional layered silhouettes. London life provides an exciting cultural clash, with structured outerwear nonchalantly worn, and softened with supple leather ties, reflecting co-existence and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aliyah Dankwah \u2013 Fashion Design BA 2026<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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How does it feel to show your collection to industry whilst being a student?<\/strong>
It’s incredibly rewarding and motivating. Having industry support makes the experience feel more professional and provides valuable exposure at an important stage in my career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aliyah Dankwah \u2013 Fashion Design BA 2026<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What are your career aspirations and how do you think your course has prepared you to help achieve this?<\/strong>
I hope to build a career within the fashion industry as a designer, and the course has given me the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to take that next step with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What has been the highlight of your time studying at Westminster?<\/strong>
The highlight has been the opportunity to collaborate with talented peers and tutors while developing my own creative voice and seeing my ideas come to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Course Leader Robert Leach praised Aliya’s achievements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Aliyah’s collection was the first womenswear collection presented at this year’s Press Show. As a British Fashion Council scholar, she completed her industry placement with Tom Ford in Paris under the creative direction of Haider Ackermann, gaining invaluable international experience. Opportunities like these, both in the UK and internationally, give our Fashion students first-hand insight into the industry and equip them with the skills, experience and professional networks they need to thrive after graduation. We wish Aliyah every success in her future career.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the Westminster Fashion Design BA Degree Show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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