A UNIVERSITY of Chester programme leader is featured among the likes of Lee Alexander McQueen in a celebration of fearless designers who have transformed the fashion landscape.

The work of Delphine Wilson, who spearheads the fashion design degree course at the university, is in the national spotlight as part of the British Fashion Council’s (BFC) NEWGEN 30, the 30th anniversary of its internationally-applauded NEWGEN initiative.

The pioneering scheme was established in 1993 to enable exciting emerging designers to showcase their collections at London Fashion Week.

Delphine is now among the 300-strong alumni of BFC NEWGEN recipients, also including the late Lee Alexander McQueen, being recognised at a landmark exhibition at the Design Museum in London.

A culmination of the year-long celebration, the exhibition, REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion, launched in September, to coincide with London Fashion Week.

Delphine said: “As an early recipient of NEWGEN support the British Fashion Council helped me showcase and introduce my work to retailers such as Liberty, Browns and Harrods. I cannot thank them enough for helping me at a key stage of my brand development. 

“It was a great honour and privilege be invited to the launch event and included in the exhibition alumni catalogue.”

In addition to the catalogue and her name on display with BFC NEWGEN 1996 recipients, Delphine’s work featured on the BFC’s exhibition web pages.

The exhibition is described as “one of the most comprehensive contemporary fashion exhibitions ever staged in the UK, acknowledging the work of 300 designers and featuring over 100 objects - from innovative and trailblazing garments to films, drawings and memorabilia”.

A celebration of the influence of the BFC NEWGEN community on the global fashion industry, it recognises London’s role in nurturing emerging talent and the next generation of visionary creatives.

Sponsored by Alexander McQueen, and guest curated by Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent, and Rebecca Lewin, Design Museum Senior Curator, the exhibition will be open until February 11, 2024.