Student designs to hit London Fashion Week catwalk

24 January 2017

Manchester Fashion Institute students named FAD Competition finalists



Designs by two Manchester Fashion Institute students are set to feature at London Fashion Week next month after being named finalists in the FAD competition.

Fashion Design and Technology student, Zoe Alexandria Leach, and Fashion student, Heidi Mortimer-Hicks, are among 20 finalists in the competition run by charitable organisation Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD).

The FAD competition was described by Vogue as an “undeniable springboard” to a career in the industry.

Past FAD finalists successfully going on to work for companies such as Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Intelligent and challenging briefs

Each year, the competition challenges undergraduates to think outside the commercial box, setting intelligent briefs which integrate art, culture and social trends into fashion.

FAD collaborated with fashion brand Missoni to develop this year’s brief in which applicants were encouraged to take the “Missoni approach”. Drawing inspiration from European artists, entrants designed a ‘mini-collection’ of two complementary outfits.

Zoe, whose designs were inspired by the artist Lucio Fontana, said: “Lucio was the founder of the art movement Spatialism. He slashed and punctured canvases to see beyond a mere 3D object. I tried to interpret this Spatialism concept within fabric by pulling threads out to create a new visual perception.”

Final year student Heidi said: “My work is inspired by childhood naivety and South American magical realism. I start firstly with colour and texture and worked my designs around that.”

Creativity and bold ideas

Heidi added: “I was completely shocked to have been named a finalist. I wasn’t going to even apply for the competition until my tutor told me to. It is a great opportunity to show my work and I’m really excited to.”

Both students impressed Manchester Metropolitan University mentors and tutors through their academic work, dedication and creativity. Dr Susan Atkin, Programme Leader for Fashion said: “FAD is a fantastic organisation that recognises and supports talent in the arena of fashion. It is a reflection of Heidi’s excellent use of colour and craft skills, together with considered design development that has led to her producing such a great mini collection for Missoni that they have shortlisted her.”

On Zoe, John Earnshaw, Senior Lecturer at the Manchester Fashion Institute, said: “We are delighted that Zoe has been selected to show her work during London Fashion Week. Fashion Awareness Direct is a great platform for emerging design talent and Zoe’s creativity and her bold ideas reflect the FAD ethos as well as the talent of our students. We wish her the best of luck.”

Both students will showcase two outfits each at the FAD competition catwalk, before a panel of industry judges, at Fashion Scout at London Fashion Week on February 20.

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