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Fashion Shoot Celebrates Centenary

Our fashion graduates were given the opportunity to create a 21st century visual editorial inspired by an historic Kent backdrop at an on-location fashion shoot.

The opportunity

The University’s School of Creative Arts aims to offer all of its students an opportunity to gain hands-on, industry experience in their chosen field, by developing collaborations with industry experts. One of the most recent opportunities for the School’s fashion graduates was an on-location fashion shoot.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Mansion & Gardens at Port Lympne in Kent, graduates from the School were given the opportunity to use their final garments in the fashion shoot to celebrate the historical and cultural references both The Mansion & Gardens have to offer to society.

The process

The graduates were invited to the Kent mansion for a succession of days for their collections to be used. Current students were also invited to assist other professionals in photography and hair and make-up on the day in order for them to gain a first-hand insight in to how a professional fashion shoot works.

The shoot took place inside and outside of the house, which was commissioned by Sir Phillip Sassoon and built by architect, Sir Herbert Baker, told a story of heritage, culture and style through the mediums of architecture, natural landscape and fashion.

David Thomas, Senior Lecturer at the University, said: "The socialite context of Sir Phillip Sassoon’s life is extremely interesting. His organised parties, his varied guests, the artwork he commissioned and his ambition to become a well-known figure of the day are all areas of interest. Creative output is, more often than not, fuelled by social change and experience, so to be invited to take influence from one of Kent’s culturally rich landmarks is a fantastic opportunity for our students and our School."

The results

Taking inspiration from photo-documentation of the Sassoon family’s time at Port Lympne the photographs from the fashion, which are on show at the University, show a connection and sense of respect to the past, whilst celebrating the excitement, motivation and talent of future creative minds.

Find out more

The elegant 1920s Mansion is steeped in history and enjoys glorious panoramic views across extensive terraced lawns and landscaped gardens to the English Channel. The Mansion is nestled in the heart of the world renowned Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.