We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of William Palmer, a former Foundation Art & Design student at Weston College, who has been recognised with the top award at London Fashion Week. William was honoured with the prestigious L'Oréal Professional Creative Award for his MA show at the renowned Central Saint Martins (CSM).

William’s exceptional talent and creative vision shone through at the Central Saint Martins MA Fashion press show, where his work captivated the industry’s leading figures. The winners were selected by none other than Yu Masui, the eccentric Japanese influencer and talent scout for the esteemed LVMH Prize, further solidifying William’s place among fashion’s rising stars.

Since his Foundation year at Weston College, William has built on that knowledge and had a lot of experience with products before landing a place at CSM. He was hired by Dover Street Market to produce collections for Gosha Rubchinskiy and later oversaw the product development of brands under the Dover Street Market Paris umbrella, such as Vaquera, Olly Shinder, and ERL.

During the show, William was one of the very few who showed clothes that could be immediately sold on a shop floor, including an oversized duffle coat, a check shirt, and a trench coat.

It was a fun collection, too. “I took the tongue-in-cheek attitude of lad culture, subverting it through funny fabrics, like the tea towels, and the teacup hats. I use humour a lot also. I drew parallels between adolescence and adulthood. I’m trying to make a more playful, carefree type of guy. The world would be better for everyone,” William added.

Image courtesy of Women's Wear Daily

The Foundation Art & Design course at Weston College provided William with the skills and techniques required to get into Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London, saying, “My pre-degree course provided me with essential foundational skills, basic knowledge, and the opportunity to develop a portfolio that ultimately helped me secure further studies. 

It was during my A-Level studies at Weston College that I first discovered my drive to pursue fashion design. Following that, I enrolled in an Art Foundation course, which became one of my most memorable years. Surrounded by a diverse group of creatives from various backgrounds, I had the chance to specialize in fashion for the first time. This focused approach allowed me to take my passion seriously, equipping me with the skills and confidence to continue my studies in London.

Rachel Clayton, William's former tutor at Weston College's Foundation Art & Design programme, shared his pride: "William's dedication and innovative approach were evident from the start. I am over the moon to see him receive such a distinguished honour. His journey from a dedicated Foundation Art & Design learner at Weston College to receiving one of the most coveted accolades in the fashion industry is truly inspiring. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, passion, and innovative approach to fashion design.”

His former tutors and everyone at Weston College are incredibly proud of this remarkable milestone in his career. We look forward to seeing his continued success and influence in the fashion world.

If you are interested in applying to our UAL Foundation Art & Design course, click here.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.