
Celebrating local talent: Coppermaker Square hosts UEL fashion student showcase
Celebrating local talent: Coppermaker Square hosts UEL fashion student showcase
Students at the University of East London (UEL) brought creativity to the forefront with a packed graduate showcase at Coppermaker Square in Stratford, sharing their creative work with friends, family and industry professionals – shining a spotlight on the capital’s next generation of fashion talent.

Titled The Final Cut, the exhibition celebrated the work of final year students from UEL’s Fashion Marketing and Communication, and Fashion Buying and Merchandising courses.

Set against the backdrop of Coppermaker Square’s resident lounge, the event was a meeting of community and creativity, and an opportunity for the premium rental provider to champion East London’s wider creative scene and support its next generation of talent.
Dheraen Quick, General Manager of Coppermaker Square, said: “Supporting the University of East London and its talented graduates is something we’re truly proud of at Coppermaker Square. As part of East London’s thriving creative landscape, we’re passionate about celebrating local talent and giving our residents opportunities to connect with grassroots creativity.
“Our growing collaboration with UEL reflects our commitment to strengthening community ties and supporting future innovators.”
The evening also featured a panel discussion on breaking into the fashion, media and marketing industries. Cultural Inclusion Consultant, UEL lecturer and Coppermaker Square resident Arooj Aftab joined Gordon Ritchie, CEO of menswear brand Crombie, to give students advice on breaking into these competitive fields.

Dr Sharon N Hughes, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Fashion Marketing and Communication at UEL, said: “Coppermaker Square has been a stunning and inspiring setting – not only as a place to call home, but most recently as the venue for our final-year Fashion Marketing and Communication showcase. The events team delivered exceptional support throughout, and the space itself was elegant, welcoming, and perfectly suited to our creative and professional needs.”
Coppermaker Square and neighbouring Westfield Stratford are hoping to build on the success of this collaboration with UEL to host further events in the future. Penny Cameron, Development Director at URW, added: “We were privileged to host UEL’s Graduate Showcase at Coppermaker Square – a fantastic celebration of the emerging talent and creativity thriving here in Stratford. We’re proud to support the next generation of the creative industries and remain committed to making Coppermaker Square a thriving hub where culture, community, and innovation come together.”