Andrew Groves

Who is Andrew Groves?

Andrew Groves is a London-based English fashion designer specialising in womenswear, menswear and prints. He is currently Course Director for BA Fashion Design at the University of Westminster, where he has lectured since 2001. He also works as a creative director, stylist and writer.

Groves is remembered for his controversial catwalk shows. In the 1990s, he designed under the label "Jimmy Jumble". The confrontational themes of his collections for London Fashion Week ensured that he caught people's attention and enhanced his notoriety. His first scheduled show, "Ourselves Alone" referred to The Troubles in Ireland, combining the colours of the rival factions of Irish unionists and Irish republicians. The models wore orange sashes, grey suits, and charred green taffeta, with one model apparently setting herself on fire during the show. Outside the show 30 foot burning crucifixes were erected. Another show, "Cocaine Nights", had the models walking on a catwalk apparently spread with sugar-like cocaine. One dress was made of razor blades.