Top designer Jenny Packham receives honorary Doctor of Arts

Internationally acclaimed designer, Jenny Packham, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Southampton Solent University during its graduation ceremony on Wednesday (November 5).

Southampton Solent University awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of the Arts during a ceremony at the city's Guildhall.

Jenny studied Fashion at Southampton Solent University before graduating with a First Class Honours degree from St Martins School of Art. She founded Jenny Packham London– designing evening wear – and launched her first collection at the London Designer Show in 1988.  

Among various accolades, she has since been named Hollywood Style Designer of the Year and International Couture Bridal Designer of the Year. Her dresses are red carpet favourites with celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Keira Knightley, and they have appeared in acclaimed films Sex in the City, The Devil Wears Prada and Casino Royale. 

A citation read out during Southampton Solent University's degree ceremony declared: "With a thriving business and revered by the industry, Jenny Packham, the individual and the brand, has accomplished more than many labels ever dream of. But Jenny shows no sign of complacency; by the time a goal comes within reach, you can guarantee she is already looking beyond it to the next." 

After accepting her award, Southampton-born Jenny - who offers work placements and delivers lectures to Southampton Solent University students - said: "It was a great honour to receive this award, and I hope I can be an inspiration to students as they start their careers.

"Being successful in this field is all about being determined, not giving up, and trusting your instincts. I hope students realise that their time at university is precious; they can experiment and be 100% original. But doing well requires a lot of hard work. I thoroughly enjoyed being a fashion student, but I worked very hard. I was rather nerdy."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY'S PRESS OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 OR 023 8031 9079