Fashion’s top names praise young designer

Jun 19 2008 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

Domingo Rodriguez, JMU fashion graduate who won the Menswear Award at Graduate Fashion Week _200

WHILE most new graduates were relaxing in the sun after a tough few weeks of finals, students from Liverpool John Moores University were frantically preparing for Graduate Fashion Week.

The chance to show their creations in front of scouts from some of the major design houses and check out the competition from other universities made it a hectic week, but one that proved rewarding, not least for the winner of the Menswear Award.

Domingo Rodriguez found out about his victory when he received a text message at 11pm the night before the event’s Gala Show.

“I had to show up in the morning with my portfolio and attend an interview with Claudia Schiffer, designer Julien Macdonald, and Richard Bradbury, of River Island,” explains the 21-year-old. “It was a whirlwind of an experience. It’s great recognition and a great platform for me to showcase my collection.”

Thirty-eight collections were pre-selected, then reduced to the final 10 that would win the awards.

Domingo’s designs, which Claudia Schiffer praised as “A really well-cut collection with a clever use of textiles”, run along themes of the past, present and future, combining traditional menswear with lavish evening wear.

”It pushes the boundaries of masculinity and its interplay with feminine ideals to create pieces that translate into a more poetic, soft and asexual form of modern menswear,” he says.

“I incorporate individual hand-knitted garments, as I am fascinated with the history and of cable work, its tradition and communication with the body. I fear that it is becoming a lost art and hope that my pieces can help bridge the gap between the old and the new in re-imagined ways.”

Stella McCartney, Julien Macdonald and Hussein Chalayan were all discovered at Graduate Fashion Week, while many others exhibiting there have won jobs with global brands including Donna Karan, Gucci, Levi Strauss, Calvin Klein and Reebok.

Domingo, who is from Kirkby, is hoping to follow in their footsteps.

“I would eventually like to have my own line under my name. I would like to gain some experience first, though. I spent the last two summers in London doing work placements with designers Carolyn Massey and Kim Jones, and there really isn’t anything like learning on the job.

“Without studying at LJMU, I wouldn’t be the designer I am today, they help guide you down your own path and give you the support and guidance you need to become a designer in your own right.

“Our tutor, Delphine Wilson, has helped shape us all, and we had amazing technical support from Paula and Joy, our technicians, which really underpins everything we do at the course – having sound technical knowledge.

“It was the first year LJMU had a fashion show at Graduate Fashion Week, and I am very happy to make them proud.”

* FOR more details of Domingo’s designs, visit www.domingorodriguez.co.uk