Guildhall School hosts Patrick McDowell’s London Fashion Week show

This month London Fashion Week came to Guildhall School of Music & Drama, with Milton Court Concert Hall transformed to present Patrick McDowell’s AW24 collection. Working in collaboration with the School, the fashion designer’s latest project showcased the many facets of Guildhall, incorporating staff and students across lighting and sound design, set, costume, production and performance. 

The show featured an original score that blended masterpieces from classical music, arranged by Gavin Roberts, Professor of Vocal and Academic Studies at Guildhall School, and Artistic Director of Song in The City, a charity using the power of song to change people’s lives across our society.

Patrick McDowell said: “For this new collection we've worked with the inspiration of the orchestra and we've tried to translate that into a fashion collection. We were really inspired by Guildhall, the history of the School, and all the people that have performed here over the years, and so we wanted to deep dive into that and use that as our main inspiration and starting point for this collection.

"Creative education is one of the founding pillars of my brand and I've always thought it was very important to include that in all the projects we do. I really wanted to incorporate all the different types of students that study here, and all the different courses, so we've tried to work with as many disciplines as we can, from lighting to sound to stage to opera to instrumentalists and spoken word. I felt that it was really important - and my job as the collaborator in this case - to create something that showcased the many amazing people that work and study here.”

Professor Andy Lavender, Vice-Principal & Director of Production Arts, said: “Collaborating with Patrick McDowell and their team for London Fashion Week was a truly rewarding experience for Guildhall School. In supporting the preparation of Patrick’s new collection our students gained valuable insights into new creative practices, from a practitioner working at the forefront of their field.  The memorable live show was a brilliant showcase of the breath of creative skill and potential found at the School, from the emerging talents of our students still honing their craft, to the industry leading expertise of our staff, all within the world-class facilities of our Milton Court Concert Hall.”

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