Judging Excellence

Meet our judges who will view the 12 FACE Excellence Finalists 2026 at Graduate Fashion Week to find the next exemplary creative to join the ranks of previous winners.

See this year’s finalists here See previous winners here

Top L-R Maxwell Agbede - Founder, Creative Director and Hatter, Maxim Collection -Instagram. Shereena Ghaffor - Talent Manager | Stylist | Creative Direction Instagram

Bottom L-R Dr Avis Ellis-Charles, CEO Avis Charles Associates. Strategic Fashion Consultant, Cultural & Heritage Researcher, Academic Consultant. Linkedin. Meerim Mamatova - Fashion Design and winner of FACE Excellence 2022 Instagram

STOP PRESS

This years FACE Excellence Prize winner will receive a cash prize together with a hat making masterclass given by lead judge Maxwell Agbede Founder of Maxim CIC. “We are delighted to support FACE and invest in emerging talent,” says Agbede, “Fashion is more than what we wear; it is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and opportunity. Through this masterclass, we hope to inspire the next generation of creatives, equip them with valuable skills, and demonstrate that craftsmanship remains a vital part of the fashion industry’s future.”

Maxim Collection CIC – 6-Week Hat Making Masterclass. Part opf the FACE Excellence Prize ror 2026

As part of our commitment to creativity, skills development, and youth empowerment, Maxim Collection CIC is offering a fully funded 6-week Hat Making Masterclass for selected participants.

The programme will provide hands-on training in traditional and contemporary hat-making techniques, including design development, material selection, blocking, shaping, finishing, and creative styling. Participants will gain practical skills, industry insight, and the confidence to explore millinery as a creative and entrepreneurial pathway.


Caryn Franklin

FACE is a mixed academic group lobbying for race equality

http://www.weareface.uk
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FACE Excellence 2026

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Finalists 2026