Former RGS pupil, Lauren Broome (2009-16), graduated from the University of East London in 2020 with a First Class BA (hons) Degree in Fashion Design. We were delighted to hear that Lauren had won a Graduate Fashion Week competition, to design merchandise garments for popular global brand, TikTok. 

Lauren explains: “During my final year at university, we were tasked with creating two merchandise designs for TikTok, which we could enter into a competition – a collaboration between Graduate Fashion Week and TikTok. I was one of the winners and I took part in a week’s residency where I manufactured my winning design, alongside taking part in industry-led seminars and talks. During the week, I produced six of my pleated top designs as well as an extra two tops from left-over fabric! On the final day, we presented our designs to Henry Holland and Hilary Alexander; it was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment! One of the other highlights was getting to know the other winners – after the first lockdown and leaving university without finishing the way we originally planned, the week was an incredible end to my time at university.”

And where does this all lead to for Lauren? “I’m currently working in London. Graduating into a global pandemic wasn’t quite on my list of considerations! My ambition is to work in the industry for a few years, expand my knowledge and skills whilst building up my business to sell my pleated garments,” she says.

Head of Textiles, Mrs Jo Bishop adds: “We are thrilled to hear of Lauren’s recent success both with her TikTok project and at the prestigious Graduate Fashion Week; both significant achievements in the fashion world and we are incredibly proud of her. Some of our Lower Sixth students will be visiting the event this year, and Lauren is such an inspiration as they aim to follow her pathway, studying Fashion Design at university.”

Lauren has visited the School since leaving, attending the 150 Year Dinner in Perrins Hall in 2018 and enjoying an 'experimental' cocktail!