We're barely halfway through June and the graduate showcase season is nearly over. This month has been flooded with new talent in the form of final year shows up and down the country, including The University of Salford: the latest showcase for its fashion photography graduates, Chant & Be Happy, took place last week at Herrick Gallery.
Salford's Fashion Image Making & Styling pathway has earned a reputation as one of the leading styling and fashion photography courses in the country. The work is unique and directional – celebrating the notion of the unexpected and making a difference. These are students who believe there is far too little of the anger of the Sex Pistols, the absurdist outrage of Dada, or the devastating irony of writers like Pynchon around today – and its mission is to produce new talent to illuminate fashion and beyond. As a result of this unique approach, course alumni – such as photographer Michael Mayren – go on to work with leading national and international fashion publications and brands, whilst students from the current cohort have been exclusively commissioned by Marina Rinaldi to create their AW14 campaign concept. Dazed spoke to Lloyd Rimmer about his standout project, Earthling.
Lloyd Rimmer:
"Earthling is based on six boys who are all different but share a common understanding – love and respect our planet, including all its inhabitants. These boys reflect different parts of me, which I want to share. The title was inspired by the film Earthlings which shows the exploitation of animals in the fashion, food, entertainment and science industries. Humanity has lost sight of what really matters. People overlook the natural beauty that's right in front of us."
