Welcome CONTOUR FASHION at De Montfort University (DMU) continues to uphold its international reputation for developing talented and innovative designers and communicators within the intimate apparel industry. As we celebrate the course’s 79th year in 2026, we are delighted to present the work of our graduating students. Our graduates demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and innovation across lingerie, corsetry, swimwear, nightwear, loungewear, menswear, sportswear, athleisure, and specialist product applications. Their work is supported by strong industry engagement, a commitment to sustainability, and the development of highly sought-after professional skills. By nurturing their talent and creativity, we encourage our students not only to meet expectations, but to challenge and exceed them. We are proud of our long-standing relationships with leading international brands and organisations, many of whom continue to support our students through projects, mentoring, and recruitment opportunities. These valuable partnerships help ensure that our graduates are well prepared for successful careers across design, technical development, product innovation, communication, and entrepreneurship. Throughout their studies, the Class of 2026 have demonstrated resilience, ambition, and dedication. Their final collections reflect a sophisticated understanding of contemporary design, innovative thinking, and refined construction skills. The breadth of creativity and professionalism showcased this year is a testament to their talent and commitment. On behalf of the Contour Fashion BA (Hons) team, we are delighted to showcase their incredible inspiration and creativity and diversity.
Rachel Toner
BA (Hons) MA (RCA) PGCert FHEA CMgr MCMI Programme Leader, Contour Fashion rtoner@dmu.ac.uk www.dmu.ac.uk/contourfashion Instagram - contourfashiondmu
TO OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOU
STRETCHLINE – PLATINUM SPONSOR We are delighted to welcome Stretchline back as a Platinum Sponsor for 2026. As longstanding supporters of the Contour Fashion programme, their continued commitment to our students has been truly invaluable. Through sharing their expertise in technical innovation, advanced product development and global manufacturing, they inspire students to embrace the future of the intimate apparel industry with confidence and ambition. We sincerely value this enduring partnership and look forward to continuing our collaboration for many years to come.
“ Now in its 79th year, the Contour Fashion Show continues to spotlight the future of contour design, and we’re proud to play a part in that journey. As long-standing platinum sponsors, our collaboration with DMU is built on shared values: creativity, innovation, and a drive to challenge what’s next. At Stretchline, we’re inspired by bold thinking and fresh perspectives, and this year’s graduates deliver both with confidence. To the graduating class, your work inspires. Keep pushing boundaries. Keep shaping the future.”
NAYOMI - PLATINUM SPONSOR We are delighted to welcome Nayomi back as a Platinum Sponsor for 2026 and extend our sincere thanks for their continued commitment to supporting the Contour Fashion programme. As one of the leading lingerie and nightwear retailers in the Middle East, Nayomi continues to champion emerging talent, providing invaluable opportunities for our students to engage directly with industry through placements, mentorship and professional collaboration. Their ongoing investment in the next generation of designers reflects a shared passion for innovation, creativity and excellence. We are immensely proud to strengthen this flourishing partnership and look forward to many more years of working together to inspire and develop future talent.
“ It’s with genuine pride and joy that Nayomi joins this year’s Contour Fashion Show as a Platinum Sponsor. Nayomi is the leading lingerie and nightwear retailer in the Middle East. This marks our continuing partnership with De Montfort University, our connections are based on almost 2 decades of recruiting DMU alumni. These talented DMU graduates secure creativity, technical skill, and passion and have helped to shape the heart of our brand. Without doubt, the talent that comes from DMU is exceptional and world class. That is one of the many reasons we wanted to be more involved and why we chose to support the next wave of visionary designers who are at the beginning of their career path. We are truly honoured to play a small part in their journey at such a pivotal moment. To witness their dedication, originality, and fearless creativity is both inspiring and deeply moving. At Nayomi, we believe in nurturing talent and celebrating the art of design—and we can’t wait to see how these graduates will shape the future of our industry. Here’s to the class of 2026 - may this be the first step in a remarkable journey ahead. “
HYOSUNG - BRONZE SPONSOR. We are delighted to welcome Hyosung once again as a Bronze Sponsor for 2026. Their continued support of the Contour Fashion programme has enriched our students’ understanding of innovative textiles, advanced fabrication techniques and emerging technologies shaping the future of the global apparel industry. We sincerely value this partnership and look forward to strengthening our collaboration in the years ahead.
“ Hyosung congratulates all the 2026 graduates from Contour Fashion! Your creativity, passion, and dedication to contour design demonstrate that the future of our industry is in brilliant hands. Hyosung is delighted and proud to support this showcase and excited for all that lies ahead in your journey through textiles and design.” Simon Whitmarsh-Knight Marketing and Sustainability Director – Textiles
BILLION RISE - BRONZE SPONSOR. We are delighted to welcome Billion Rise Knitting back as a Bronze Sponsor for 2026. Their continued support of the Contour Fashion programme has provided our students with invaluable insight into technical textiles, innovative fabrication and the evolving landscape of global textile manufacturing. Through the expertise and guidance of Steve Moore, Global Head of Sales and Marketing, students have benefited from engaging technical presentations that have broadened their understanding of future-facing developments across the industry. We sincerely value this growing partnership and look forward to continuing our collaboration as we inspire and prepare the next generation of creative and technical talent. “Billion Rise is proud and enthused to be sponsoring the class of 2026 and very much welcomes the opportunity to support DMU, it’s students and the industry we all love. We wish the graduates a successful future in whichever field they choose and eagerly await the time their talent, passion and innovative thinking emerges to help drive brands & retailers forward!” Steve Moore Global Sales & Marketing Director
Contents
02 COLLECTIONS
01
Class of 2026 Final Major Projects
03
HIGHLIGHTS
THANK YOU
Student achievements and industry collaboration s
Thank you and final words
STRETCHLINE FIRST YEAR
This year, our first-year students collaborated with Stretchline, one of the world’s leading innovators in performance elastics and stretch technologies, on a live industry project. The brief challenged students to develop commercially relevant A/W26/27 activewear collections celebrating diversity, inclusivity and sustainability through innovative textile design. Working with the Stretchline team, students explored advanced performance technologies, circular design and the creative use of deadstock elastics, developing collections that balanced technical innovation with commercial appeal. Throughout the project, students gained valuable industry insight into global markets, manufacturing processes and responsible product development. Following the final presentations, Sage Westbury was selected as the overall winner. Emily and Caroline from Stretchline praised the outstanding standard of work, highlighting the professionalism of the presentations and the strength of Sage’s commercially focused concept. They commented that her collection had genuine potential to feature within Stretchline’s future trend books, recognising her contemporary styling, thoughtful detailing and mature response to the brief. As part of her award, Sage will undertake an industry placement with Stretchline, providing an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand experience within a globally recognised textile innovation company at the very beginning of her design career.
Sage Westbury
01 . HIGHLIGHTS EXTERNAL CLIENT
M&S
SECOND YEAR This year, our second-year students collaborated with the Marks & Spencer Design Team - Fiona Clark, Crystal Foster and Annie Dore on a live industry project to develop innovative S/S26 Swim and Beachwear collections that balanced creativity with commercial relevance. The brief encouraged students to explore emerging trends, sustainability and responsible design whilst responding to the needs of the modern M&S customer. Through in-depth market and trend research, students developed professionally presented digital Lookbooks before refining their concepts through valuable feedback from the Marks & Spencer team. The project provided an opportunity to experience the demands of designing for a leading British retailer whilst strengthening their commercial awareness and professional design practice. Following the final presentations, Ebony Lawrence-Hall was selected as the overall winner. The exceptional standard of work demonstrated originality, research and a strong appreciation of commercial design. We are sincerely grateful to the Marks & Spencer team for their continued support, generosity and mentorship, helping to strengthen the connection between higher education and industry. Fiona Clark commented:
Ebony Lawrence - Hall
“It was our pleasure to support the students and join for what was such an inspiring day. We were super impressed by your second-year students, not only by their creative talent and design capabilities, but also by how confident and articulate they were as presenters. Well done to them all.”
LOUNGE THIRD YEAR
Running throughout the Autumn term and concluding in February 2026, the project challenged students to respond to a live industry brief by developing innovative, commercially focused collections. Guided by Julie Swinfield, Rachel Toner, Emma Swanepoel, Catherine Livingstone and Jadzia Garrett, students worked closely with Emily Blount, Head of Product, Angelica Sephton, Lead Product Designer (both DMU Contour alumni), and Sophia Haines, Senior Talent Acquisition Executive, designing collections across bras, intimates, sleepwear, swimwear and outerwear whilst considering branding, sustainability, emerging trends and innovative fabrications.
Madeleine Foex
Founded in 2015, Lounge Underwear has grown into one of the UK’s leading lingerie brands, with over 3.7 million Instagram followers and several DMU Contour Fashion graduates working within its creative and technical product design teams. A valued collaborator for many years, Lounge once again partnered with De Montfort University to deliver the Final Year External Client Project.
The project provided an opportunity for students to develop their confidence, commercial awareness and professional practice through direct engagement with industry experts. We extend our sincere thanks to Dan and Mel Marsden, founders of Lounge, for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting the Contour Fashion programme and nurturing emerging talent. We also gratefully acknowledge the continued sponsorship and sampling support of Tian Hai Lace, represented by Harrison TatemWyatt, together with Potencier Embroideries, through Corentin Potencier and Sylvie Newton. Their expertise and generous provision of specialist materials supported both the client project and students’ Final Major Projects, enabling an exceptional standard of creative and technical work throughout the year.
Minju Jeong
Ten finalists were invited to Lounge’s Birmingham headquarters to present their collections and finished garments to the judging panel. Alongside an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the company, students received valuable industry feedback before the winners were announced.
Annalise Booth
First Place: Madeleine Foex Second Place: Minju Jeong Third Place: Annalise Booth Commendation: Maddie Bowness
Class of 2026
WONDERLAND We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Wonderland, providing final-year Contour Fashion students with an exciting opportunity to showcase their work to the intimate apparel industry. Five outstanding garments from students’ Final Major Project collections have been selected for display at the entrance to the July edition of Wonderland, held at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel from 12–14 July, alongside leading international lingerie brands. Bok Goodall, Project Manager for Wonderland and a long-standing supporter of the Contour programme, commented: “This initiative reflects Wonderland’s ongoing commitment to celebrating fresh, innovative voices in the intimate apparel industry. The selected students will have their work presented at the event entrance, providing an unparalleled opportunity for visibility among industry professionals, media and peers.” Wonderland co-founders Nicky Clayton and Lucy Osborne added: “We’re excited to work with De Montfort. These students are the future of our industry, and we hope this opportunity acts as a springboard into their careers. Supporting emerging talent is an important part of what Wonderland represents.” Finalists showcasing at Wonderland: Erin Cormack Izzy Devaney Jasmine Lee Lauren Wells Sophie Cotterill
MET GALA This second-year project continues to secure innate innovation and potential, intricately developed into a variance of contour products. This encourages freedom of choice regarding areas of intimates researched, supporting a wider creative spirit.
Isa Brak
Final designs are showcased and judged by an industry panel, this year including Joanne Wickham and Luana Loppi (Marks & Spencer), Luisa Sidoli (Tatu Couture Lingerie), Talia Platts and Daisy Cooper (Next) and Beth Kendall and Jessica Dawson (Sculpt Studio).
First Place: Isa Brak Second Place: Daisy Scott Third Place: Abbie Payne and Imani Ripoll Commendations went to: Mitzi Green and Ally Picken
METAMORPHOSIS This year, our first and second-year Contour Fashion students had the privilege of participating in the inaugural Metamorphosis competition, an international collaboration developed by the French Federation of Lace and Embroidery. Founded in 1935, the Federation represents some of France’s most prestigious lace and embroidery manufacturers, and De Montfort University was honoured to be one of only four institutions invited to participate. The competition challenged students to transform surplus lace, embroidery and production remnants into innovative design concepts, encouraging creative approaches to upcycling whilst promoting sustainability and circular design. Through the project, students explored the heritage, craftsmanship and specialist manufacturing techniques behind luxury lace and embroidery, developing original concepts that celebrated material innovation and responsible design. Selected entries were judged by representatives from the Federation and its industry partners, with winning and shortlisted work showcased as part of the official exhibition and award ceremony in France. First Place: Jennifer Borley The exceptional standard of work demonstrated our students’ creativity, technical ability and commitment to sustainable design. We extend our sincere thanks to the French Federation of Lace and Embroidery and its member manufacturers for providing such an inspiring international opportunity, strengthening links between higher education and industry whilst celebrating craftsmanship, innovation and the future of sustainable fashion.
Olivia Bodak
Jennifer Borley
We are delighted to have the incredible support of both Tianhai and, for the second time, Potencier, in sponsoring the students with lace and embroidery fabrics.
TIANHAI have been a staunch supporter of this practice for a number of years as small metres of this form of fabric is very hard to secure, due to the minimum quantities produced. Tianhai Lace Co. Ltd. are a leading lace producer who designs for the fields of intimates, ready-to-wear, bridal, sport, and athleisure, and are experts in warp knitting. They are leading sustainable development and environmental protection and have become the first lace manufacturer partner in the Bluesign system; they also use mono -silicone solar panels to generate their own electricity (the Photovoltaic System). Harrison Tatem-Wyatt (the UK Agent) delivers historistorical and modern lace technicality to the students and has been instrumental in spearheading this support via sampling. This is such a vital part of our ability to encourage 2-3D development within the cohort.
Founded in 1883, Maison Potencier is one of France’s leading embroidery houses, supplying both luxury fashion brands and the European lingerie industry. This year, Corentin Potencier and Sylvie Newton visited the Contour studios and generously created bespoke embroidery sampling from selected student designs, enabling students to incorporate exclusive embroidery into their final collections. We are sincerely grateful to both companies for their continued generosity and expertise. Their support provides invaluable opportunities for our students and strengthens the close relationship between Contour Fashion and the international lingerie and textile industries.
POST GRADUATE STUDY POST GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES IN CONTOUR AT DMU Post graduate study is a great way to develop new and specialised knowledge, gain valuable transferable skills and improve career prospects. Did you know you can now study the Contour specialism at postgraduate level? At DMU we offer two specialist routes: Contour Fashion Innovation as Master of Arts (MA) to support creative, arts and social sciences based study, or as Master of Sciences (MSc) for development of science, technology or engineering based investigations into Contour. Our team of expert tutors work closely with individuals to map their best-suited route across the year, considering skills mastery and career goals. Find out more on our web page: dmu.ac.uk/contourfashioninnovation Any enquiries please email for an informal chat or email any questions to: catherine.livingstone@dmu.ac.uk
DEGREE SHOW Our annual Contour Fashion Static Degree Show provides an opportunity for graduating students to showcase the culmination of their studies, presenting final collections that reflect months of research, design development, and technical excellence. The exhibition celebrated the diverse talents of the cohort while welcoming industry professionals, family, and friends to experience their work firsthand. Creativity, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship took centre stage, where graduating students proudly presented their final collections. The exhibition marked years of dedication, offering visitors an inspiring insight into the future of contour fashion. During the Degree Show, the awards for this academic year were presented to the following students: The Leo and Betty Gruss award for excellence in final year studies: Maddie Bowness Endeavour award for a final year student: Izzi Smith Rita Rydin award for endeavour in second year studies: May Quigley Rita Rydin award for endeavour in second year studies: Jennifer Borley
Huge thank you to the technicians involved in making it a success: Ben Marlow, Chris Lincoln, Rob Leary, Chris Ball, Graham Lee, Morgan Kerslake, Vicky Henson and Melanie Butterfield.
0 2 . COLLECTIONS
BUKOLA BABALOLA
ANNALISE BOOTH
MADDIE BOWNESS ERIN CORMACK SOPHIE COTTERILL RUBY CARLISLE IZZY DEVANEY MADELEINE FOEX ELLIE GARTON
A M Y H AY W A R D MINJU JEONG JASMINE LEE K AT I E L E W I S REBEKA MALINOVA RUBY MCDERMOTT NICOLE NEWMAN LUCY PROCTOR SHAAN RAM KELIS RICHARDS L I LY R O B I N S LAKEISHA SIBANDA IZZI SMITH LAUREN WELLS
I Z Z Y D E VA N E Y H E R PAT I N A E: elizabethjdevaney@gmail.com
RUBY CARLISLE CHEZ ELLE E: Rubycarlisle2003@gmail.com
MADDIE BOWNESS ROCOCO AFTER DARK E: maddie.bowness@gmail.com
I:@maddisonpaige_design
JA S M I N E L E E MOONRIVER E:jasminestarlee2005@gmail.com
I:@jazz.contourontour
L I LY RO B I N S EMBRACING YIMIN E: lilyrobins2005@gmail.com
I:@lil.contour
R E B E K A M A L I N O VA STA I N E D D E S I R E E: rebekamalinova9@gmail.com
I:@rebeka.contour
KATIE LEWIS UNLACED E: katielewiscontour@gmail.com
I:@katielewiscontour
ANNALISE BOOTH VEILED IN STONE E: Annalise-design@outlook.com
I:@annelisestudio_
LUCY PROCTOR W I F E Y M AT E R I A L E: Lucyproctor12345@hotmail.com
ELLIE GARTON LA BALLERINE E: elliegarton@icloud.com
I:@ e.llie_art
MADELEINE FOEX CARVED BY THE TIDE E: Madeleinefoex@gmail.com
I:@madeleineamelie.design
LAUREN WELLS SOUL AND DESIRE E: laurenwells1109@gmail.com
I: @laurencontourfashion
SHAAN RAM CU29 COPPER CORE E: contourbyshaan@gmail.com
I: @contour_by_shaan
ERIN CORMACK NINTH LIFE E: erincormack19@gmail.com
I: @egc_contour
IZZI SMITH D R E A M S O F PAT R I S H A E: izzismithdesign@gmail.com
I:@izzismithcontour
NICOLE NEWMAN I T C A N TA K E YO U R B R E AT H AWAY E: nicolenewman04@outlook.com
I:@nicole_contour
L A K E I S H A S I BA N DA EARTHY ROOTS E: lakeishamabo@gmail.com
BUKOLA BABALOLA M OT H E R N AT U R E E: bukolababalola597@gmail.com
SOPHIE COTTERILL LACED IN LOVE E: sophiecott3@icloud.com
I:@ belle.contour
KELIS RICHARDS O R N AT E C R I M S O N E: Kelisprichards@hotmail.com
I:@kelisamlindesign109
MINJU JEONG THE VALUE OF THE INVISIBLE E: Jungmj2536@gmail.com
I:@minju_intimates
A M Y H AY WA R D BORN FROM ASHES AND LACE E: Amyhayward.contour@gmail.com
I:amy.contour
RUBY MCDERMOTT DEVOTION E: Rubymcd100@gmail.com
I: @rubyjaneintimates
0 2 . THANK YOU
The Contour Fashion BA (Hons) graduates of 2026 would like to express thanks to the teaching staff and technical teams for their unwavering support, patience, and dedication throughout this year. An additional thank you to all of our specialised partners for their on-going support and generosity in nurturing the future of our industry: Lounge Underwear, Stretchline, Nayomi, Hyosung, Billion-Rise Holdings, Claire O’Neill, Harrison Tatem-Wyatt, Tianhai Lace, Potencier, Corentin Potencier, Sylvie Newton, Avidity, Concepts Paris, Bemis, Boselli, Boux Avenue, Carvico, Contour Specialist Fabrics, Crystal International Group Limited, Fildan, Freya, Gainway International, Lululemon, Lydia Grand -Jean, M&S, MMG Models, Nevs, Next, N.Brown, Panache Lingerie, Pam Scott, Underlines Magazine, Sew Systems, Sculpt Studios, Tatu Couture, Wacoal. Tutors and Technical team: Rachel Toner, Julie Swinfield, Laurie Truscott, Catherine Livingstone, Abbie Swinfield, Emma Swanepoel, Buddy Penfold, Jadzia Garrett, Tracey Morris, Melanie Butterfield, Kelly McRobie, Chris Wright, Carolyn Hardaker, Sam Dalby, Lis Gernerd, Andrea Jones, Rob Jones, Kira Allder, Alex Palmer, Graham Lee, Chris Ball, Michaela Hawes, Rob Leary, Ben Marlow, Chris Lincoln, Morgan Kerslake, Vicky Henson, Anna Wang, Stuart Lambert, Jim Boulton, Lyle Jackson, Craig Appleby, David Hughes, Niall Hickey, Peter Cástka, Mark Dimartino Marriott, Jamie Merryfield, Alexander Gloster, Petros Galanakis, Will Swinfield.
Brochure Design: Emma Swanepoel Collation: Emma Swanepoel, Rachel Toner, Abbie Swinfield, Julie Swinfield, Catherine Livingstone. Photography: Jason Senior – Redpix photography jason@redpix.co.uk Supported by: Mark Barnett - Senior Multimedia Officer Marketing & Communications Directorate Make-up and Hair: Alice Snell
aliceoliviasnell@gmail.com
Hair: Demi Butt
demisummer.butt92@gmail.com
Models: Sandra Dziwiszek
sandra_dziwiszek@hotmail.com
Jess Mara
contatojessmara@gmail.com
UNDERLINES Final words
“ It is always a delight to see the final year graduates’ work with the level of professionalism, talent and creativity that they display and the ‘Class of 2026’ is no exception! The Contour Fashion Course at De Montfort University continues to deliver to its students a first-class and unequalled framework to succeed in their future careers. Having seen some of their project work this year we can see that the lingerie design and expertise is in safe hands for the future. “