London
Three students shortlisted for global fashion prize.
Textile innovator Rosemary Moore, creator of the revolutionary Maxxam fabric, has revealed the three finalists in an international womenswear design competition, run in partnership with the Graduate Fashion Foundation.
Aspiring designers from top fashion universities in the UK and overseas were invited to create a Spring/Summer 2026 capsule collection featuring the iconic Maxxam fabric. Designs had to celebrate the material’s heritage with a timeless, multi-functional approach, including at least one swimwear piece.
The judging panel, led by Moore and representatives from Graduate Fashion Foundation, reviewed over 40 entries before selecting ten finalists. From these, three standout students have now been shortlisted:
-Ivo Gomes – Solent University, Fashion Design
-Ella Brooks-Birkett – Manchester Fashion Institute, BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology
-Paballo Mafokate – STADIO School of Fashion, Honours in Fashion
Moore praised the quality and diversity of the submissions: “It has been incredibly exciting to work on this project and I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the creativity and passion the students have shown. Narrowing the field down to just three was extremely difficult, but Ivo, Ella and Paballo demonstrated exceptional imagination and commercial potential.”
Ivo impressed the panel with a laser-cut approach that integrated fabric waste back into the design process, resulting in versatile, travel-ready garments. Paballo’s concept stood out for its authenticity, rooted in South African artisan techniques and her cultural landscape. Ella offered a fresh, youthful perspective through flexible separates that transitioned seamlessly between settings.
All three finalists will present their looks at Graduate Fashion Week from 13–16 June 2025 at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch. The overall winner will receive the unique opportunity to work directly with Rosemary Moore and her manufacturing partners to develop their designs, with the potential for one piece to enter production.
Reflecting on their achievements, the students expressed gratitude and excitement. Ivo called it “a valuable learning experience”, while Ella described the opportunity as “out of my comfort zone but inspiring”. Paballo noted that winning would be “a beautiful moment and blessing” for her and for aspiring African designers.
The finalists’ journeys can be followed via Graduate Fashion Foundation’s social channels using the hashtag #GFFxMaxxam.
www.graduatefashionfoundation.co.uk
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