Five Walsall College Fashion students have earned the chance for their bag designs to be manufactured and potentially launched to an international market. Students were given the opportunity to present their design ideas when fashion brand, Brady Bags, chose to work with the college on a live brief. Brady Bags are high quality sporting bags handmade in Walsall, from best quality canvas, brass components and English bridle leather. Established since 1887, Brady is a renowned name around the world.

The brief was to come up with bag designs aimed at a younger trend conscious market but still in keeping with Brady’s trademark style.

Students had a month to work on their designs before pitching them to the firm.

After selecting eight designs in total, Royston Bird, who is responsible for design and development at Brady Bags, commented: “All the bags fit the brief extremely well and were of a high standard. The students had paid great attention to detail and really thought about the functionality of the product. We were also very impressed with how professionally they pitched and sold their ideas.”

Prototypes of all eight designs will now be created at the firm’s production facility in Walsall before industry and customer feedback is sought. Students will be involved throughout the manufacturing process from choosing fabrics and materials to seeing the designs as they come off the production line.

Two students will also be given the opportunity to complete work experience placements with Brady Bags.

BTEC Level 3 student, Lucy Jones, 17, said: “I’m very excited that three of my designs were picked and can’t wait to see how they look in reality. I feel really lucky to have this amazing opportunity so earlier in my career as a designer.”

BTEC Level 4 HNC student, Jessica Williams, 19, said: “This is incredible. I put a lot of thought and work in to this project, so it’s a great reward. It’s definitely given my CV a boost.”

Curriculum Manager for Fashion at Walsall College, Christine Taylor said: “We’re pleased that the students made it difficult for the judges to choose just one design. It helps to demonstrate that they are building a solid foundation of creative design skills and have the makings for great careers in the fashion industry.”