Grayson's Robes 2023 - The challenge is on
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 16 January 2023
Do you have what it takes to create Grayson's winning robes?
Our Grayson’s Robes competition is a firm favourite at UAL and we're so glad to annouce its return this year. This exciting, creative opportunity gives you the chance to showcase your learning, talent and skills by designing and making the graduation robes for UAL Chancellor and Turner Prize-winning artist, Sir Grayson Perry, to wear at our 2023 graduation ceremonies.
Grayson is an unconventional artist and is looking for robes to reflect his personality; an imaginative alternative to the formal black robes traditionally worn at graduation ceremonies, with a focus on sustainability.
Students from all year levels, Colleges and disciplines across UAL are welcome to enter, with shortlisted students personally meeting with Grayson to pitch their ideas in detail. You can enter individually or as a team (maximum of 4) as long as at least one of the students in your chosen team has the ability to construct the design. The winner(s) will receive £1,500 to help create the robes.
The competition closes on Friday 24 February and all submissions must be received on this date.
Find our what Grayson wants to see in your designs
Have you got what it takes to make Grayson's winning robes?
Design brief: Grayson says...
I’m looking for:
Design drawings that show how the garment will be constructed and what fabrics, materials and techniques would best achieve the result – swatches and samples are a must.
The robe needs to:
Retain some of the formal elements of traditional chancellor robes – but also take into account my personal style. I take centre stage so go for an eye-catching design. Strong colours and reflective surfaces are encouraged. I’d also love a glamorous crown or headpiece.
Comfort is key:
The graduation ceremonies always happen at the HOTTEST TIME of the year and involve a lot of clapping, standing up and sitting down, so LIGHTER FABRICS are encouraged.
I am a man yet I like to dress like a woman:
Attention should be given to playing down the male bits (shoulders, long tubular body!) and playing up my assets (good legs!)
Incorporate the theme:
I’d also like you to include sustainability in your design.
How to enter
- Register your interest NOW: Let us know that you’re interested in entering the competition by completing our online form so that we can keep you updated with all the details.
- Submit your entry: Provide a front and back design sketch for the robes and crown [no bigger than A3] along with some material swatches and submit your entry at any of our College collection points on Friday 24 February.
Ahead of submitting your entry, please complete the submission form and bring this with you on the day. If entering as a team (maximum of 4), please include the full names and UAL email addresses of all members of your team. Please note that only one member of your team needs to submit your entry in person.
For more information and to get your creative juices flowing check out our Grayson's Robes competition webpage where you can get some inspiration from our past winners. You can also view our full terms and conditions to see if you are eligible to enter. Now's the time to show us what you've got. We cant wait to see what you come up with.
Submit your entry on Friday 24 February 2023, at one of our collection spots.
Collection times and locations
College collection locations | Collection times |
Camberwell - Reception/Canteen at Peckham Road | 12-3pm |
Chelsea - Reception/Canteen | 3-5pm |
CSM - King's Cross Canteen | 1-3pm |
LCC - Canteen - entrance near library / area | 11-1pm |
LCF Curtain Road - Canteen ground floor | 12-2pm |
LCF John Prince's Street - Canteen first floor | 1 - 3pm |
LCF Lime Grove - Main reception ground floor | 1 - 3pm |
Wimbledon - Reception, entrance | 2 - 4pm |