In a dynamic collaboration with HEARST UK, twelve students from CSVPA’s Master’s courses and the BA (Hons) Fashion Branding & Creative Communication degree were invited to respond to a live creative brief issued by the iconic publishing house. Tasked with developing innovative proposals for a prospective licensing partnership for Harper’s Bazaar, the students had the rare opportunity to pitch their concepts directly to HEARST industry professionals.
This initiative forms part of CSVPA’s ongoing partnership with HEARST UK—publishers of Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and other leading titles. This collaboration not only supports the creative evolution of our students but also serves as a vital bridge between academic study and professional practice. Through direct engagement with seasoned industry experts, students gain invaluable insights into the workings of the contemporary creative industries.
The brief challenged students to conduct in-depth research and present a persuasive pitch for a potential licensing partner for Harper’s Bazaar, a flagship publication renowned for its focus on women’s luxury fashion, travel, art, literature, and beauty. Participants were given the option to develop concepts for either a women’s fashion line or a fragrance collection, aligning with the magazine’s brand identity and target demographic.
Beyond producing visually compelling concept designs, students were expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of Harper’s Bazaar—its visual language, ethos, and aspirational values. The task required them to identify and advocate for brand partners whose vision and values would resonate authentically with Harper’s Bazaar’s legacy and readership.
This collaboration exemplifies the breadth of professional opportunities available to CSVPA students beyond the traditional curriculum. The HEARST UK partnership not only deepens students’ industry awareness but also provides a vital platform for refining their research, creative thinking, and presentation skills—while receiving guidance from some of the most influential voices in publishing and fashion.
Kristine – Harper’s Bazaar X Equinox
Second-year BA (Hons) Fashion Branding & Creative Communication student Kristine presented a thoughtfully developed proposal for a strategic partnership between Harper’s Bazaar and Equinox, the premier luxury fitness and lifestyle brand. Her concept envisioned a holistic wellness space designed to empower women to reconnect with their bodies through curated experiences such as spa treatments, yoga, Pilates, and guided meditation. Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of brand synergy, Kristine’s proposal also featured detailed branding strategies, bespoke merchandise, and the design of a concept store offering exclusive collaborations with high-end labels at the intersection of fashion and athleticism.
Margarida – Harper’s Bazaar X Juliette Has a Gun
Second-year BA (Hons) Fashion Branding & Creative Communication student Margarida proposed a compelling partnership between Harper’s Bazaar and the French fragrance house Juliette Has a Gun, envisioning the creation of a bold and empowering scent designed to celebrate the enduring essence of female strength, ambition, and passion.
Emphasising the shared values of both brands—luxury, sophistication, and contemporary femininity—Margarida highlighted their mutual appeal to a confident, fashion-conscious audience defined by independence and refinement. Elevating the concept further, she proposed that the campaign be fronted by cultural icon Pamela Anderson, whose recent public reinvention embodies self-assurance and unapologetic ownership of personal power, making her a resonant symbol for the fragrance’s message.
Dana – Harper’s Bazaar X GANNI
MA Fashion: Branding & Creative Communication student Dana proposed a licensing collaboration between Harper’s Bazaar and Scandinavian fashion label GANNI, merging the magazine’s luxury heritage with the brand’s signature contemporary aesthetic. Her concept centres on a collection that harmoniously blends nostalgia with forward-thinking design.
At the heart of her proposal is a series of six original T-shirts, each featuring dynamic collages that juxtapose archival Harper’s Bazaar covers with digital illustrations rendered in GANNI’s distinctive visual language. Complementing this is a ten-piece capsule collection of ready-to-wear garments, drawing inspiration from the prints and graphic motifs found in the magazine’s historic covers. A standout innovation in Dana’s proposal is the integration of an interactive design tool, empowering consumers to customise their own T-shirts by remixing GANNI-style elements with Harper’s Bazaar archival artwork—offering a personalised, creative retail experience that bridges fashion, heritage, and digital engagement.
Alice – Harper’s Bazaar X Tommy Hilfiger
MA Fashion student Alice proposed a strategic partnership between Harper’s Bazaar and Tommy Hilfiger, centring on the advancement of adaptive fashion within the mainstream market. Her concept envisions a Harper’s Bazaar-curated capsule collection that redefines wardrobe essentials through the lens of inclusivity, style, and innovation.
The proposed collection highlights key pieces from Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive—a line that seamlessly blends fashion with function, designed to empower wearers through enhanced ease and independence. Featuring thoughtful design elements such as magnetic closures and seamless fastenings, the garments exemplify how adaptive clothing can be both boldly stylish and exceptionally practical, reinforcing Harper’s Bazaar’s commitment to progressive, forward-thinking fashion.
In addition to their work with HEARST UK, our Master’s and BA students recently participated in an exceptional project responding to Glenn Ligon: All Over the Place. Hosted at the world-renowned Fitzwilliam Museum, the students’ work was exhibited during a high-profile museum ‘Late’ event, drawing over 700 visitors. Engaging critically with Ligon’s themes, students were challenged to push their creative boundaries, developing original work that addressed pressing cultural narratives through a personal lens.
This prestigious exhibition offered students not only a platform to showcase their work alongside internationally acclaimed artists but also a formative opportunity to receive public and professional feedback. It was a powerful exercise in creative confidence, critical analysis, and public engagement—further reinforcing the transformative impact of experiential learning at CSVPA.
Explore the Fashion undergraduate and postgraduate courses at CSVPA.
