The prestigious FAD competition, organised by creative charity Fashion Awareness Direct, took place at the Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden on Monday night.

The prestigious FAD competition, organised by creative charity Fashion Awareness Direct, took place at the Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden on Monday 20 February, and was presented by fashion retail mogul Jane Shepherdson CBE.

Designs by two Manchester Fashion Institute students, Heidi Mortimer-Hicks and Zoe Alexandria Leach, were featured. They were among 20 student finalists from across 16 universities, who showcased their designs as part of the 2017 FADxMissoni competition.

A jury panel, which included; Angela Missoni and Liz Griffiths, from Missoni; Jane Shepherdson CBE; Jane Kellock, Founder of Unique Style Platform; Clare Johnston, Professor Emeritus and Research Fellow at the RCA and Holly Mirza, Director of Fabric PR, selected an overall winner and two runners-up.

A special mention was also made by Liz Griffiths, on behalf of Angela Missoni, for the work of Zoe Alexandria Leach from Manchester Fashion Institute. Zoe was applauded for her beautifully finished garments which made contemporary use of historical techniques and elegantly incorporated movement and fluidity.

Zoe said of the experience, “The competition has been an amazing experience. To receive a special mention award, requested by Angela Missoni herself, is such an honour!'