Arty Tales of Narnia

A CAREER in advertising beckons for design student Imogen Jones after she won first prize in the UK FutureTalentawards with a stunning store concept for Selfridges.

Imogen, 21, who studies on the BA (Hons) Design and Art Direction degree, was presented with her prize at a glittering ceremony in Covent Garden with judges including WGSN global forecasting network, Alexander McQueen, Sir Peter Blake, the COI, the Design Council, Paul Smith and Selfridges.

Based on the Tales of Narnia books by CS Lewis, Imogen’s ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Whole New Wardrobe’ was aimed at both children and adults with references to the religious and darker themes underpinning the stories.

The design concept was tailored to work across all departments of Selfridges with quotations from the books placed on escalators and wearable suits of armour sourced for actors at the opening event.

Magical

Imogen, from Oldham, said: “I wanted the whole look of the store to be magical and attractive to men, women and children alike.”

Lenore Gristwood, Programme Leader for BA Design and Art Direction, said: “We’re extremely proud of Imogen, the concept was so of the moment, and her visuals encapsulated the essence of the stories and were appropriate to the total retail environment and associated graphic merchandise.”

Imogen received a cash prize and a one month placement with FutureBrands during 2006, plus a whole crop of business cards from interested professionals at the awards event!

For more information about the Design and Art Direction course at MMU, go to www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/courses/programme/1007