Tesco's F&F partners with Graduate Fashion Week to 'nurture talent'

Graduate Fashion Foundation has announced a new partnership with Tesco-owned fashion brand F&F ahead of the 35th anniversary edition of Graduate Fashion Week in 2026.

Graduate Fashion Week 2026, presented by F&F, will take place at Truman Brewery in London from 15-18 June, bringing together fashion graduates from across the UK.

The partnership reflects a growing focus on industry collaboration as a route to tangible career opportunities for emerging designers and creatives. As part of the agreement, F&F will support a programme of activity spanning design, marketing and innovation, aimed at connecting students directly with commercial fashion pathways.

Key elements of the collaboration include two national student briefs (one focused on design and one on marketing) open to universities across the Graduate Fashion Week membership. F&F will also partner on a Digital Innovation Lab, designed to explore new ideas and technologies shaping the future of fashion, alongside hosting a live industry talk during the event.

In addition, F&F will curate a dedicated catwalk show showcasing final-year collections, highlighting emerging talent from across the UK.

Nicola Hitchens, Managing Director of Graduate Fashion Foundation, said: "We’re so pleased to welcome F&F to Graduate Fashion Week 2026 - from exciting student briefs and competitions to a curated catwalk show, this partnership represents the power of industry collaboration on young talent, elevating fresh voices and ideas into industry.

"Central to our strategy is to collaborate with industry to create opportunities, continue to decentralise regionally and we will work closely with the F&F to deliver this mission. It’s encouraging to see fantastic entries to the GFW x F&F Design Brief and the GFW x F&F Marketing Brief already this year".

Beyond the event itself, the collaboration is designed to deliver longer-term benefits for students through access to education, internships and entry-level roles. Planned activity includes visits to F&F’s head offices and design studio, offering graduates exposure to the realities of large-scale commercial fashion operations.

Ben Lee, Head of Design at F&F Clothing, added: "We’re incredibly excited to be collaborating with Graduate Fashion Week this year. GFW played a pivotal role in my own career, as it has for so many at F&F so being able to support the next generation of designers feels like a true full-circle moment.

"Nurturing talent is at the heart of what we do at F&F and this partnership is a natural fit. We’re proud to help emerging talent take their first steps into the industry and this marks the start of an exciting, long-term partnership with GFW."

Tickets for Graduate Fashion Week 2026 presented by F&F will go on sale later this year, with the event open to both industry professionals and the general public.