Ellesse x Graduate Fashion Foundation
News
Ellesse x Graduate Fashion Foundation: A winning collaboration for emerging designers
Wednesday, 26 March, 2025Ellesse has long been a name synonymous with sportswear innovation. From its origins in 1959, when Leonardo Servadio set out to redefine athletic apparel by merging function with Italian flair, to its rise in the '80s alongside tennis icons like Chris Evert and Boris Becker, the brand has continually shaped the conversation around performance and style.
Today, Ellesse is reigniting its legacy through a powerful collaboration with the Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF), offering BA Fashion Design and Textiles students a unique opportunity to leave their mark on the future of tennis apparel.
As part of Graduate Fashion Week 2025, students were challenged to design a six-outfit capsule collection, reimagining tennis wear with a fresh perspective that blends innovation, contemporary aesthetics, and on-and-off-court versatility. This competition not only allowed students to explore their creativity but also connected them directly with industry professionals, providing invaluable mentorship and exposure.
Emma Askew-Miller, Programme Leader in Fashion Design said:
"It was a fantastic day for all involved. A great opportunity for the students to practice their presentation skills, and it is always amazing to gain valuable industry feedback on our students' work."
The Graduate Fashion Foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment, offering students real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in the industry. Through initiatives like this collaboration with Ellesse, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to have their winning designs professionally produced.
This year’s competition asked final-year students to create collections that simultaneously target a younger audience, feel fresh, trend-driven, and innovative, balance professionalism with contemporary appeal and explore menswear, womenswear, unisex, or a mix of all three.
To refine their ideas, students recently presented their work-in-progress designs to visiting members of the Ellesse team, receiving expert feedback to push their concepts even further.
The competition presentation of work-in-progress saw an incredible display of creativity from all participating students, each offering a unique interpretation of modern tennis apparel, from exploring accessibility in wheelchair sports to bringing back an ’80s revival.
BA Fashion Design student, Millie Folkes, discussed the experience:
"Meeting the Ellesse team provided such a valuable insight into a part of the fashion industry I hadn’t even considered. Their predictions on sportswear trends not only helped shape my competition designs but also influenced my graduate collection. Presenting my work to industry professionals opened my eyes to a more realistic, practical approach to design that I’ve carried forward in my projects."
And the Winner Is…
Following the judging of 100's of entries final year Bath Spa University BA (Hons) Fashion Design student Seren Millie Still was announced the 1st prize winner in this year's Graduate Fashion Foundation X Ellesse Tailors Project '25.
Seren’s work has earned her a paid placement with the Ellesse global team in London, mentorship from industry leaders, and will see two of her designs professionally manufactured and showcased at the Graduate Fashion Week Gala Show in June.
Emma Askew-Miller, Programme Leader in Fashion Design, said:
"From the very launch of this competition, Seren was clear what direction she wanted to take. She meticulously crafted each element of this project to her final conclusion and has received the recognition she deserves.”
Seren drew inspiration from Wimbledon’s traditional dress code, embracing its heritage while infusing modern functionality. Rather than discarding tradition for the sake of innovation, she reimagined it — creating a collection that respects tennis’ rich history while incorporating fresh, contemporary design elements.
Reflecting on her win, Seren said:
“I’m truly honoured and excited to be part of this collaboration with Ellesse and GFW. So far, the experience has been incredible, and I’m looking forward to seeing the visualisation of the pieces as they come to life. It’s an amazing opportunity to not only work with such a respected brand but also to develop my skills in the industry.
"As we move forward, I’m excited to continue the design process and bring new ideas to the table. I can’t wait to see how everything comes together for Graduate Fashion Week, and I’m especially eager to learn and grow throughout this journey.”
With Graduate Fashion Week 2025 set to take place in June, Seren and others will be gearing up to showcase their boldest ideas on a national stage — proving that the next generation of fashion talent is ready to push the boundaries of design, creativity, and inclusivity.