NTU Graduate Fashion Exhibition

Last Friday (25th May) saw the highly anticipated Nottingham Trent University 50/50 fashion show take place, as well as the fashion exhibition open to the public.

This year we did what no year before us had ever done: half of us showed collections on the runway, while half of us chose to produce a fashion exhibition (usually the runway steals the show, but not this time! thus the name 50/50) - making it the biggest and BEST fashion show in NTU's history.

My work was displayed in the exhibition (because I wanted to do a whole lot more than just make clothes e.g. this blog), and will be up on display until 5th June in the NTU Newton building - so if you haven't checked it out already make sure you do, because there is so much talent crammed into that smallish space.

Here are a few photos in the run-up to setting up for the show (unfortunately there are no balloons in my exhibition space because apparently if a kid accidentally let one go, it would set off the fire alarms in the ceiling... what can I say other than the powers of Newton are severely down with fun)...

Mini wish-balloon cards that I designed and ordered on moo.com - just adding some white thread so I can tie them to my balloons

Lots and lots of white hope filled wish-balloons

Make a wish, and believe in it with all your heart. Now set it free...

My postcard sized business cards - courtesy of moo.com again

Moo let you print double sided for no extra charge, so the front of all my cards have this on them, while the backs are a mixed bag of photos and words

My exhibition space in Newton!

Shani Marion Jayawardena is The Girl with The White Balloon

donation box for people to pop money in and take one of my printed canvas bags + donate any spare pennies kicking around

this is probably my favourite bag design: Dear Justin: I'm already sexy, so I'm bringing charity back.

To see my work on display just seems a world away from where I was 3 years ago on my art foundation. I feel I've grown so much, and have made something that I'm extremely proud of, and that I strongly believe in. I've been able to take something often superficially perceived like fashion, and channel it into something positive; something that might just change someones life for the better. And there simply aren't words to describe how happy and content that makes me feel. That's all I hope for in my time here.

Yesterday I stumbled upon some wise words of wisdom, that were just what I needed to hear (isn't it strange how the right things find you at the right time like that?), and I thought I'd share them with all of you too:

YOUR JOURNEY HAS MOLDED YOU FOR YOUR GREATER GOOD, 

AND IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT IT NEEDED TO BE. 

DON'T THINK THAT YOU'VE LOST TIME.

IT TOOK EACH AND EVERY SITUATION YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED TO BRING YOU TO THE NOW.

AND NOW IS RIGHT ON TIME.

Nice isn't it?

Never forget that we make a living by what we get; 
but we make a life by what we give...

p.s if you are a lady named Contessa who saw my exhibition the other day, and enquired about buying one of my dresses - I tried to email you, but it's not sending for some reason (think the email may have been jotted down wrong!) so just message me/email me on here! Sorry!

+ Hayden? guy from Rock City - If you're reading this: in the words of Kelly Clarkson - I do not hook up, I go slow. So if you want me I don't come cheap. Keep your hand in my hand, And you heart on your sleeve... Don't feel bad about this. I think you're nice. So... call me maybe?