Fashion student sews up national award

A Newcastle fashion student is celebrating national recognition after turning academic success into a flourishing creative career.

Lamin Gibba, an MA Creative and Professional Practice student at Newcastle College University Centre (NCUC), has won the University Student Achievement of the Year title at the Educate North Awards.

The award, presented at an awards ceremony at The Point, at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, recognised Lamin’s academic achievements, creative work and wider contribution to the community through fashion, mentoring and cultural projects.

Originally from Gambia and now based in Heaton, Lamin co-founded streetwear brand Jerry J Clothing with his son Jackson after moving to Newcastle to pursue new opportunities.

Despite entering the fashion industry with limited experience, Lamin has built an impressive portfolio during his studies.

His work includes designing Dame Chi Onwurah MP’s investiture outfit as part of a student-led creative project and staging Born to Elevate, a large-scale fashion and culture event at Newcastle’s Boiler Shop which attracted around 200 guests.

Lamin also secured work experience at London Fashion Week with designer Tolu Coker and produced a documentary premiered at Tyneside Cinema, helping launch a new event videography venture serving African communities across the UK.

He said: “I’ve had an interest in fashion ever since I spent time in my aunt’s fashion and tailoring shop back home, but I had little formal training and I decided to move to Newcastle to better my chances in life and forge my career. 

“My creativity and commitment were well and truly sparked, so it’s amazing that my achievements have been recognised with this award.

“Winning this award means a lot to me and I couldn’t have done it without all of the amazing staff, classmates and everyone who has believed in me and supported my vision. 

“I am truly grateful for the opportunities and guidance from NCUC, I feel like I’m in a great place to keep building my clothing brand and see what more I can achieve.”

Newcastle College also secured the Community Engagement in the HE/FE Sector award for its Open Doors: Beyond Barriers programme and was shortlisted for the Student Experience in the HE/FE Sector award for its Warm Spaces Initiative.

Connor Herron, head of higher education at Newcastle College University Centre, added: “We are absolutely delighted to see Lamin recognised in these highly competitive awards - a win that is incredibly well deserved.

“Lamin’s journey from having limited access to the industry to achieving national recognition shows just how transformative higher technical education can be when talent is supported in the right way. 

“Throughout his time with us, Lamin has demonstrated outstanding creativity, determination and ambition.

“At NCUC, our role is to recognise potential, enable talent and provide students with the skills, confidence and opportunities to thrive - and Lamin exemplifies everything that approach is about. 

“His achievements are not only outstanding for a student, but exemplary within the wider creative industries. 

“We have no doubt he will go on to achieve even more, and we’re incredibly proud to have been part of his journey.”

Lamin’s second runway show – Shy Bairns Get Nowt – is being held at The Boiler Shop, in Newcastle, on Wednesday, June 10 from 6.30pm to 10pm. To buy tickets, click here.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.