Innovation at CSM: What Matters Next? Youth Culture and the Future of Brand Relevance

About the event
You are warmly invited to join Central Saint Martins for a live industry conversation as part of CSM Shows 2026, bringing together leading voices from across design, strategy, media and technology.
During this exclusive event we will explore the cultural shifts, emerging trends and generational perspectives shaping the future of brand relevance today, followed by a bespoke tour of our annual graduate showcase, curated exclusively for event guests and designed to bring the discussion to life through selected student work.
Central Saint Martins has long been a place where future culture takes shape. Our students do not simply respond to trends - they actively shape them, developing new ways of thinking, making and engaging with the world. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the ideas, perspectives and creative practices influencing the next generation of culture.

Event Programme
4:00pm – Arrival, refreshments and networking, please sign in at our event welcome desk in The Crossing
4:30pm – Panel discussion: Innovation at CSM: What Matters Next? Youth Culture and the Future of Brand Relevance
5:15pm – Audience Q&A
5:30pm – Curated tour of CSM Shows 2026
6:30pm – Private View reception
9:00pm – Event close

Meet the panellists
Aswan Magumbe – Assistant Editor, Wonderland & CSM BA Fashion Communication alumnus
Bobbie Galvin - Brand Strategist and CSM BA Graphic Communication Design alumnus
Miguel Esquide – Chief Design Officer, Bata
Richie Manu – Programme Director, Creative Enterprise, Central Saint Martins
Ruby Wight – Head of Creative Strategy, Nothing Technologies

What we'll explore
How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping culture, consumption and identity
The difference between relevance and trend-chasing
What younger audiences expect from brands today
The role of creativity, technology and community in building trust
Emerging signals from the next generation of cultural producers

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking evening. Please register on the link above if you haven't RSVP'd already, and do feel free to extend the invitation to relevant colleagues and professional contacts who would enjoy taking part.