In the heart of London at the historic Haberdashers’ Hall, a new generation of designers took centre stage as the JCA | London Fashion Academy, founded by the legendary Prof. Jimmy Choo, unveiled the debut collections of its BA Fashion: Design, Branding and Entrepreneurship and BA Fashion Design and Accessories students.
The occasion marked not just the culmination of three years of hard work and creativity, but also the inaugural Revelation fashion show and awards ceremony, a defining moment for both the Academy and its graduates.
In a first for the Academy, the event concluded with a glittering awards presentation held in the courtyard of Haberdashers’ Hall, where five exceptional talents were honoured for their groundbreaking work. Presented by an all-female panel of leading industry figures — fashion entrepreneur Karen Millen OBE, fashion PR powerhouse Alison Lowe MBE, and Tatler journalist Astrid Joss — the awards celebrated innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial promise.
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Spotlight on the Rising Stars
The Craftship Award 2025, presented by Karen Millen OBE, was awarded to Kinar Ornika, founder of her eponymous label. Her collection Siam Nostalgia revisits the golden era of 1960s Thai high fashion, brought to life through rich traditional textiles such as Thai raw silk. Ornika’s intricate techniques and cultural storytelling captivated the panel with their elegance and depth.
Alison Lowe MBE took the stage to present the Special Creativity Award 2025 to Cherlyn Ornika, whose label ORNIKA explored the art of Thai festivals through fashion. Her debut collection, Siam Love Language, drew inspiration from the luminous Loy Krathong Day. By transforming Thai silk into sculptural forms reminiscent of banana leaf folding and flower garlands, and embellishing them with handcrafted silver and 18k gold-plated blooms, Ornika’s designs became wearable homages to Thai heritage and emotion.
The Brand Ready Award 2025, also presented by Karen Millen, was claimed by Kira McDermott, founder of KI Collective. Her six-look collection played with the tension between architectural brutalism and historic grace. With thoughtful construction and conceptual clarity, McDermott’s pieces proposed a label already prepared for market, balancing intellectual design with commercial viability.
For her commitment to ethics and innovation, Cerys Reece, founder of YES-MAN, earned the Sustainability Award 2025. Presented by Alison Lowe MBE, Reece’s collection was an ode to conscious creativity. Each one-of-a-kind garment was crafted from deadstock and fabric off-cuts, designed to express raw emotion and personal narrative; proof that sustainability and storytelling can go hand in hand.
Jordan Stanford (left) pictured with Karen Millen OBE at the JCA | London Fashion Academy Revelation Show.
The pinnacle accolade, Collection of the Year 2025, went to Olivia Parkinson, the force behind London Fox. Presented by JCA CEO and Principal Andrew Ginn, the award recognised Parkinson’s innovative take on womenswear motorcycle attire. Her standout collection, Leather and Lace, fused the grit of 1960s Rocker culture with contemporary performance elements. With protective armour woven into vintage silhouettes, London Fox dares to redefine what it means to ride — fiercely, freely, and fashionably.
“This is my first JCA fashion show, and it’s an honour to witness these collections come to life,” said Andrew Ginn. “Watching each look glide down the runway was a proud moment for myself and for everyone at the Academy. The designers have poured themselves into these collections, they truly represent the future of fashion.”
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A New Legacy Begins
Olivia Parkinson, Founder of London Fox wins ‘Collection of the Year 2025′.
The Revelation runway showcased 23 final-year designers from the Academy’s pioneering cohorts. Each student presented six original looks, representing the culmination of their academic journey, and the birth of their brand. The diverse lineup included womenswear, menswear, genderless fashion and accessories, illustrating the school’s boundary-breaking, forward-thinking ethos.
With a guest list filled with press, buyers and industry insiders, the atmosphere at Haberdashers’ Hall was electric. As the Academy continues to push the boundaries of fashion education – blending design, business and innovation – Revelation 2025 felt not just like a graduation show, but the arrival of a new era.
