In the heart of London, a remarkable exhibition titled "FC 50!" is currently underway at Tank on Great Portland Street. This event pays tribute to five decades of the Fashion Communication program at Central Saint Martins (CSM), a prestigious arts university that has nurtured some of the most influential figures in the fashion industry. Through an array of projects ranging from magazines to experimental films, the exhibition showcases how CSM has shaped modern fashion communication. The exhibition highlights the journey of this program, from its inception in 1974 as Fashion Communication & Promotion to its current multifaceted structure encompassing Image & Promotion, Journalism, and Histories & Theories.

Exhibition Details and Key Projects

The exhibition features several groundbreaking projects that have emerged from CSM's Fashion Communication program over the years. Among these are photographer Campbell Addy’s Niijournal, journalist Kay Barron’s candid fashion tabloid Rag, director Kathryn Ferguson’s experimental dance film Tingel Tangel, and creative director IB Kamara’s utopic styling portfolio for 2026. These works exemplify the diverse talents cultivated by CSM, including photographers, stylists, and journalists who have redefined fashion communication.

One notable project is Pants*, created by Hywel Davies in 1998. This unconventional magazine parodied the polished aesthetics of Wallpaper* with a playful, humorous tone. Shot entirely on film and printed in just two copies, it featured a quirky promotional video sponsored by Tia Maria, reflecting Davies’ personal experiences in 1990s London. Another standout is A Nice Magazine by Hanna Moon, which challenges traditional fashion imagery through a subversive approach. Launched in 2014, this magazine has evolved while maintaining its core spirit of challenging conventions and amplifying diverse voices.

Photographer Jet Swan’s series, Photographs taken on West Street, Sheffield, captures the expressive energy of women out at night, symbolizing freedom and joy. Sharmadean Reid’s Thirteen Magazine (2007) explores the transition from boyhood to manhood, influenced by skate culture and menswear. Lastly, Jebi Labembika’s Concrete Bodies in Unfinished Cities offers an intimate look at urban life in Douala, Cameroon, revealing the raw essence of the environment and the resilient bodies navigating it.

Curated by Dal Chodha and Adam Murray, the exhibition emphasizes the importance of curiosity and innovation in fashion. As Chodha notes, “We need people who are curious, because without curiosity, where does fashion take us?” The exhibition runs from February 21-25, 2025, inviting visitors to explore the rich history and future potential of fashion communication.

From a journalistic perspective, the "FC 50!" exhibition underscores the pivotal role of education in shaping the fashion industry. It highlights how institutions like CSM foster creativity and diversity, producing graduates who challenge norms and push boundaries. The exhibition serves as a reminder that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling, identity, and cultural expression. It inspires both aspiring professionals and enthusiasts to embrace curiosity and innovation, ensuring that fashion remains a dynamic and evolving field.