Debenhams, Britain’s online department store, has announced Kitty Carr-Lake from University of Leeds as the winner of the second annual “Designers at Debenhams Catwalk to Commercial” Award unveiled during this year’s Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) 2025.
This award initiative is a cornerstone of the revived Designers at Debenhams programme; a renowned platform originally launched in 1993 to provide accessibility to luxury fashion. Once the springboard for industry leaders such as Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson and Henry Holland, the programme now looks to the future by spotlighting fresh voices and visionary talent.
In 2024, winners of the award included Eleanor McMahon, Sonny Matthews and Ivy Chow from Manchester Metropolitan University. All three graduates enrolled in 12-month in-house contracts at the retailer, offering the opportunity to gain invaluable industry experience designing their own exclusive collections which go on sale online at Debenhams.com this summer. Following their successful placements, each graduate has transitioned into full-time positions within the Debenhams in-house team.
“It’s an honour to once again partner with Graduate Fashion Week and spotlight the incredible talent shaping the future of fashion. Designers at Debenhams has a rich legacy of making high-fashion accessible, and Kitty embodies that spirit. We are thrilled to welcome them into the team as we prepare for their debut collection in 2026.”
Dan Finley, Debenhams Group CEO
Debenhams Design & Buying team set a competition brief for universities across the country to submit the best in commercial designs. After a rigorous selection process, 20 collections were shortlisted to show at the Debenhams x GFW Catwalk Show with the winner announced at the Gala Show on 16th June 2025. The inspiration for Kitty’s winning collection stemmed from the issue of coastal erosion. The project features a curated collection of sixteen outfits, each named after a coastline currently impacted by erosion. This led to a focus on texture development and a palette of beautiful, neutral tones, echoing the natural elegance of the coast. In line with this vision, which aimed to create a sleek, minimal aesthetic for the brand, reflecting Kitty’s personal perception of coastal landscapes.
Rachel King, Debenhams Buying & Design Director added “The standard of talent this year was outstanding, but Kitty Carr – Lake’s collection stood out instantly. Her collection was not only technically innovative and advanced but also creative with a strong understanding of wearable, market-ready fashion – exactly what the Designers at Debenhams award celebrates. We can’t wait to see her ideas evolve into a full collection.”
Merging creative individuality with Debenhams’ contemporary, customer-focused aesthetic, the upcoming collection will capture the energy of next-generation fashion.
“Joining Debenhams marks an exciting new chapter in my career. Graduate Fashion Week was an unforgettable experience, and to now have the chance to create for such a renowned name in British retail is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and bringing my designs to life for a broader audience.”
Kitty
Stay tuned for more to come from Designers at Debenhams this year, with the Graduate Fashion Week collection coming 2026.
