Harrods announces Graduate Competition winner

Knightsbridge store Harrods has announced Kate Wallis from the University of Westminster as the winner of its Graduate Competition in partnership with the British Fashion Council’s Colleges Council. As the 2011 winner, Kate will receive a year’s paid internship working alongside the Harrods own label buying team on design, development and the retail experience.

Kate was chosen by a senior panel of judges including Anne Tyrrell, Chair of the BFC Colleges Council, Caroline Rush, CEO, BFC and Marigay McKee, Fashion and Beauty Director, Harrods, after spending a month training placement at Harrods, alongside two other graduates, Hannah Cooper from Newport University and Sarah Seaton-Burridge from The Royal College. As well as the placement all graduates had to submit their portfolio, a written case study and make a final presentation that showed their design ability, while also encapsulating the Harrods customer and illustrated product styling.

Caroline Rush, CEO, BFC, commented: “The BFC Colleges Council is vital for nurturing the young design talents in the UK, like Kate. The Harrods Graduate Competition offers invaluable experience and insight into the fashion industry and we’d like to thank Harrods for their ongoing support of the Colleges Council.”

Marigay McKee, Fashion and Beauty Director, Harrods, added: "I am thrilled that for the second year, Harrods in partnership with the BFC will offer a talented graduate the opportunity to experience the fashion business first hand. Kate’s final presentation perfectly captured the Harrods customer and we loved her commercial designs and beautiful illustrations. We look forward to Kate joining the team.”