Fashion design students at Walsall College were given the opportunity to enter an exciting competition in collaboration with Walsall based accessories company Brady Bags.
Peter Wilkes, Managing Director at Brady Bags said ‘We’ve been working with students from Walsall College for the past two years and every year we’re impressed by the calibre of local talent from the fashion design students.’
The live brief was delivered by Peter who outlined for students to design a belt inspired by equestrian and fishing styles and using natural materials such as cork, canvas, leather and linen. Over 40 students at Walsall College from both Level 3 and HE courses entered the competition, all showcasing their design skills and ideas for an original Brady belt.
Fashion design student Bethany Brown was awarded first place, winning her very own Brady bag and £250 prize money. Speaking of the winner, Peter said ‘Bethany showed confidence in her design, interviewed very well and also gave us a walk through on how the design is to be made and where she feels it evolving to in the future. The belt design will compliment both our belt and bag range beautifully, showing that she has done her research on Brady.’
Following the competition, Bethany, alongside other finalists Jade Friend (2nd place) and Louis Scotto-Read (3rd place), were given the opportunity to experience a week’s placement at Brady Bags head office. Work experience is an integral part of the course giving students the chance to enhance their learning in a real work environment and gain invaluable industry experience to develop their employability skills.
Work Experience Co-ordinator at Walsall College Jaswant Sembhi said ‘We’re delighted to team up with Brady Bags again this year. Our students gain so many benefits from working alongside industry experts and we hope to continue this relationship with Brady Bags for years to come.’
