Derby student handed top award by fashion guru Gok Wan

A fashion student at the University of Derby has received a special commendation award from TV presenter and style guru Gok Wan at a top fashion awards.

Alexey Morozov, who will graduate from the University later this month, was awarded the special prize at the Fashanne Awards 2017 for his tailored cut skirt inspired from the Socialist art theme of the Russian Constructivism during the 1920s – 1950s.

Hundreds of third-year students from six universities across the East Midlands entered the awards. The selected finalists were then invited to a two-day exhibition at St Mary’s Church in Nottingham where their work was critiqued by a panel of judges from the fashion and media industry before an awards evening.

Commenting on Alexey’s design at the event, lead judge Gok Wan said the piece represented a high level of tailored cutting from a student that he had not seen in many years. Alexey said: “Winning the award was totally unexpected. I was so happy that Gok Wan commented on the quality of tailoring within my work because cutting is the area of the industry that I am passionate about and most interested in pursuing as a career. 

“Fashion has been part of my life since the age of five, when I would watch my grandmother using an old Singer sewing machine. Studying fashion at the University of Derby has given me the opportunity to explore art and fashion and experiment and improve my skills.

“I have had an amazing time on the course and have been able to focus my desire to succeed with the expertise and specialist support here.”

Speaking about Alexey‘s achievement, Fiona Hawthorne, Senior Lecturer for BA (Hons) Fashion at the University of Derby, said: "The fashion team is extremely proud of Alexey and the coveted prize he won at this year’s Fashanne Awards.  

“He has worked tirelessly over this last year to create a really outstanding collection where tailoring was his main priority applying the skills he has learnt over the last three years with us. Gok Wan credited Alexey on his high level of tailoring skills at student level and we second that. Well done Alexey."

Find out more about studying Fashion at the University of Derby.