The FC 50! exhibition in London showcases influential works from alumni of the Fashion Communication program, highlighting a legacy of creativity and evolution within fashion.
An exhibition titled FC 50! is currently being held at Tank in London, celebrating 50 years of the Fashion Communication program at Central Saint Martins (CSM). Curated by Dal Chodha and Adam Murray, the exhibition showcases the early works of various influential figures in the fashion industry, highlighting projects that emerged from the program that has produced notable alumni like Stella McCartney, Gareth Pugh, and Alexander McQueen.
The exhibition features an array of projects, including photographer Campbell Addy’s publication Niijournal, journalist Kay Barron’s fashion tabloid Rag, director Kathryn Ferguson’s experimental dance film Tingel Tangel, and creative director IB Kamara’s stylized portfolio 2026. The projects illuminate the diverse backgrounds and creative expressions of alumni from the program.
The BA Fashion Communication course, which began in 1974, has seen significant transformation over the decades. Originally named Fashion Communication & Promotion, it began with a journalistic focus before evolving into three distinct pathways: Image & Promotion, Journalism, and Histories & Theories. Dal Chodha, who became the Pathway Leader of Fashion Communication in 2023, shared insights about this evolution, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in fostering innovation within fashion. “If you stay within the walls of the college and do what we ask, you become a really good employee,” Chodha remarked, adding, “But we need people who are curious, because without curiosity, where does fashion take us?”
AnOther Magazine spoke with several alumni regarding their significant works showcased at the exhibition, each reflecting on their unique approaches and the influence of CSM on their careers.
Hywel Davies, a graduate of 1998, presented his final major project, Pants A beginner’s guide to finding the perfect pair, which he described as a playful critique of the polished aesthetics prevalent in Wallpaper magazine. “I wanted to do a magazine that was essentially stupid, silly and not serious,” he explained.
Hanna Moon, who graduated in 2014, created A Nice Magazine, which she describes as a rebellious manifesto that challenges traditional fashion imagery. The magazine has continually evolved, with its latest issue themed Me Myself and I, featuring contributions that deconstruct overly simplistic narratives, particularly surrounding women. Moon emphasized the importance of her time at CSM, stating, “The skill of making magazines was one of the greatest exercises I learned there.”
Jet Swan, also from the Class of 2014, shared her exploration of nighttime leisure in her project, Photographs taken on West Street, Sheffield. She found beauty in the expressive energy of women at night, saying, “I wanted to make something real out in the world where life was happening.” She currently resides in London and is known for her ability to capture vibrant stories through her photography.
Sharmadean Reid’s Thirteen Magazine, a product of her 2007 studies, drew inspiration from her love of menswear and skate culture. She noted the magazine’s exploration of the transition from boyhood to manhood and its incorporation of streetwear influences. Reid’s entrepreneurial journey has included diverse roles, such as styling for prominent brands and launching a platform aimed at empowering women in business.
With its focus on the journeys and creativity of its alumni, the FC 50! exhibition not only marks the legacy of the Fashion Communication program at Central Saint Martins but also underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
