Congratulations to Brandon Bolland from Arts University Bournemouth for winning the GFW24 Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award! This recognition highlights his talent and creativity in the field of fashion and showcases the innovative work coming from emerging designers in the industry.
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
The most valuable thing I learnt at university was the ability to collaborate. The industry is built on collaboration; the ability to work with so many amazing creatives and the opportunity to experiment in a safe space was the most valuable experience. I met so many talented students and still keep in contact with them now, continuing those collaborations.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
My final project was based on my own relationship with fashion. As a male presenting individual, I enjoyed experimenting with fashion and redefining what menswear looks like. Bringing more feminine silhouettes into menswear and breaking down the barriers between menswear and womenswear more. Fashion is made to be enjoyed, and gender shouldn't restrain how individuals want to express themselves and dress.
What form did your project take?
My project was in the form of a print publication. MASC Magazine includes interviews, articles, editorial fashion photography, and showcasing creatives and designers. With over 30 contributors to MASC, from photographers to writers, it was a huge effort to showcase creatives and show everyone what MASC could become if fully developed.
What materials have you used, and how did you source them?
MASC was a print publication, printed and delivered through MIXAM. In addition to the print publication, MASC also developed marketing materials like posters and low-cost print newspapers promoting its first issue. The posters were also printed through MIXAM, and the newspapers were printed through Newspaper Club.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas, and what have you learnt along the way?
By December 2023, I had worked on an initial issue showcasing what the finished project might look like, almost like a skeleton of the finished piece. Then, by June 2024, MASC was established. Working on it's branding, to make it more unique, put together multiple editorial shoots, conducted more interviews, and put together more articles, making it the issue it is now. I learnt how to juggle so many roles as the editor; there was no budget and not a team of people to help. I really learnt to reach out to other creatives for help and juggling multiple roles at once.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away?
The core message behind my final project was ''Freedom'鈥攆reedom in creativity, style, and expression. Redefining what mens fashion looks like and also redefining what the menswear audience is. At MASC, I aimed my publication at'male presenting' individuals; this eliminated any need for biological gender or identity to restrict the audience and left it open to anyone who presented as male or wanting to purely experiment with fashion.
What鈥檚 an aspect of the fashion industry that you鈥檙e passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
As stated before, the barriers between menswear and womenswear need to be taken down. Fashion should be made to be enjoyed by all; fashion is a means of expression. In addition to this, MASC was also founded to showcase new talent and give a platform to new creatives. As a recent graduate, I understand the struggle of breaking into the industry. The magazine will focus on showcasing new talent and finding emerging creatives of all walks of life to showcase within the publication.
What are you planning to do following your BA?
As of July '24, I have moved to London to pursue fashion styling and creative direction. In the hopes to land some freelance work, as well as continue MASC Magazine and grow it to what I know it can be.
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