Fashion Students make final of Clothes Show ‘Young Designer of the Year’

Two Fashion students from Walsall College have been selected as finalists for the Clothes Show Creative Award. The winner will be crowned ‘Young Designer of the Year 2018’ during the high-profile catwalk show.

The finalists were chosen by Professor Caryn Franklyn MBE, a British Fashion Commentator. The Professor of Diversity in Fashion has enjoyed an extensive career in the creative sector, from being a TV broadcaster to editor of I-D magazine.

The brief was centred on producing a jacket for Caryn to wear on stage at this year’s Clothes Show in October, which will take place in Liverpool. The finalists will showcase their designs on the catwalk, where one of them will become ‘Young Designer of the Year 2018’.

Zoe Jones and Diara Drame were selected as two of the ten finalists chosen to bring their designs to life.

Level 3 students were tasked to enter the competition as part of a course project to enhance their creative development.

Zoe’s design, which uses different volumes of fabric, was inspired by Japanese fashion designer Yoshio Yamamoto.

“I’m really into conceptual fashion – styles that are large and oversized, the kind that are different and aren’t like everyday clothing. I like how Yoshio Yamamoto incorporates emotions into one of his collections, and I was really inspired by the bold colours and minimalistic pallet,” she said.

Diara also uses oversized elements within her design, contrasting these with a tailored fit and a cropped finish around the bodice.

She said: “I wanted to produce a jacket that would suit Caryn Franklin, so she was a major influence in the design.

The look is one of contrasts. I’ve combined oversized sleeves with a tailored fit, and I mixed nature with the technical. I will be using natural fabrics, which will contrast with the modern, mechanical influences of the pattern design.”

Christine Taylor, Curriculum Manager for Fashion at Walsall College, said: “The Clothes Show is one of the biggest events in the fashion industry, so it’s a great opportunity and experience for students to take part in.

We are delighted to hear that two of our students have been selected as finalists. It is a testament to the creative talents we help to hone at Walsall College, and we’re looking forward to seeing the final designs on the catwalk in October.”