Textiles and Design Graduation 2019

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Heriot-Watt University today formally welcomed 160 new graduates from the School of Textiles and Design in the Scottish Borders.

The students and their families gathered for the ceremony at Old Parish and Saint Paul's Church, Galashiels before a reception at Old Gala House.

The ceremony took place on Friday, June 14 and was hosted by Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor and Professor Fiona Waldron, Head of the School of Textiles and Design.

Professor Fiona Waldron said: I'm delighted to welcome our newest graduates who have worked extremely hard to be here today.

“This graduation event is something that will no doubt be treasured by both themselves and their families.

"I hope our newest graduates will have a long and enjoyable career ahead of them and offer them all our congratulations on their achievements and that they thoroughly enjoy their day.”

Last week's annual Graduate Fashion Week saw Heriot-Watt University student Aofie Malone win The Fashion Styling and Creative Direction Award for her inspiring depiction of contemporary politics in Northern Ireland. 

In its 28th year, the occasion provides students who've come to the end of their time in education a platform from which to shout about their final collections and start attracting the attention of those in the industry.  

From a shortlist of 12 students, Aofie Malone of Heriot-Watt University impressed judges, including size? Creative Director Peter Kellet, Cosmopolitan Fashion Director Amy Bannerman, WGSN Senior Editor of Youth Hannah Craggs, and VIP stylist Kyle De Volle, with her creative approach to contemporary politics in Northern Ireland. 

Also receiving an award was the talented final year BA (Hons) Design for Textiles student, Cara Fowles who won at the annual Shima Seiki competition for the first time in the School's history.

Cara picked up the award for her childrenswear project – a childrenswear collection, telling a Scottish fairytale through the bands of fairisle patterns.

Cara travelled to Shima Seiki's European Headquarters in Castle Donington with seven other finalists and was consequently picked as one of two winners.

Esther Mason, a 4th Year BA (Hons) Design for Textiles, weave student, attended The Worshipful Company of Weavers Scholarship Awards Lunch, hosted in London. 

Esther won a £2,000 scholarship award and was given the opportunity, along with the other award winners, to show some of her design work and network with the invited industry guests.