Press Release Umbria Cashmere District Award

PRESS RELEASE UMBRIA CASHMERE DISTRICT AWARD

The young talents of Central Saint Martins to be awarded the Cashmere District Award in Umbria

Cashmere, sophisticated fiber symbol of excellence and Italian creativity, is the focus of an international contest devised by the Umbria Trade Agency. The contest will involve every year some of the most prominent international academies of fashion design.

For the first contest, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, part of University of the Arts London was chosen.

Some students of the college’s BA Fashion Knit Pathway course from around the world were called upon to provide their own interpretation of cashmere. The result was the creation of garments inspired by the great Italian tradition that found its ideal location in Umbria, the hub of a knitwear manufacturing district. This district is among the most recognized worldwide. Each student’s creation was unique. Students experimented with different materials, creating a new language with their weaving, opening an imaginary dialogue between different and remote cultural and stylistic perceptions.

Cariaggi Fine Yarns is the official technical sponsor of the project.

Three students selected by the jury will complete their projects in the coming month of July during an internship in some of the Umbrian companies that have joined the initiative.

The award ceremony will take place on July 14 in Perugia, during the Umbria Jazz event.

Gianluigi Angelantoni, President of the Umbria Trade Agency says: "To promote new talent through the excellence of the Umbrian manufacturing district of cashmere is a thrilling combination that will show future designers the regional manufacturing tradition. We are happy about our partnership with Central Saint Martins, which marks the first step in an international path that we hope will be of value. Our hope is that this partnership will strengthen the district, which, thanks to enlightened, inspired and determined entrepreneurs, showcases the best quality value in our area”.

The cashmere district with this project proves the uniqueness of a region where the excellence of small workshops continues to meet with the entrepreneurial ability of large companies and where passion for

know-how and quality are revealed to the world.

Centro Estero Umbria Centro per la promozione dell’internazionalizzazione delle imprese umbre

Via Cacciatori delle Alpi, 42 - 06121 Perugia Largo Don Minzoni, 6 - 05100 Terni Tel. +39.075.5748206 Fax +39.075.5728088 Tel +39.0744.489229 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.centroesteroumbria.it

Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design

Central Saint Martins is internationally renowned for the creative energy of its students, staff and graduates with an outstanding reputation for educating foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. The College’s shows, exhibitions, events, and research outputs make CSM a major force and a resource offering collaboration with industry across all sectors – creative, financial, scientific.

In September 2011 CSM moved to a new campus at Kings Cross. Bringing all the disciplines together on one purpose-built site, has opened up possibilities for creative collaboration and provided an outstanding social scene for students.

Alumni include Alan Aldridge, Sarah Burton, Hussein Chalayan, Matthew Collings, Terence Conran, James Dyson, Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Gilbert and George, Anthony Gormley, Tom Hardy, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Sandy Powell, Raquib Shaw, Yinka Shonibare, Joe Wright.

CSM is part of University of the Arts London, an international centre for innovative teaching and research in arts, design, fashion, communication and the performing arts. The University is made up of six Colleges: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Art.

For further information please contact Umbria Trade Agency ph. +39 075 5748206 or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Centro Estero Umbria Centro per la promozione dell’internazionalizzazione delle imprese umbre