Dressed for success
BUDDING fashion designer Lauren Howden may still be a fashion student at Doncaster College - but she's already making cash out her creations.
The 19-year-old was one of dozens of young hopefuls who want to make their living in the clothes industry putting their creations on display at the Faculty of Arts' annual fashion shows at High Melton's Harvey Theatre.
Lauren has already seen her wares sold in the shops - she designed and made a consignment of handbags which sold out at The Forum shopping centre in Sheffield. They fetch between 25 and 60 a time.
But the Doncaster College show was the first time they have been on show on the catwalk.
Lauren, from Swinton, said: "I've been selling the bags for nearly six months, but it is difficult juggling it with the college course.
"I'm started to make them again and I'm looking for somewhere to sell them in Doncaster. They seemed to go down well at the show, although I was too busy shoo-ing my models to pay much attention at the time."
Lauren's dress designs were also included in the show, produced during her national diploma course at the college.
"It is unusual to have a national diploma student with the confidence to go there and put their work out on the market," said course leader Debbie Pulleyblank.
Lauren was one of 19 diploma students taking part in the show, along with 16 final year degree students and seven GCSE students from Trinity Academy in Thorne, which has been doing work with the college.
It was the first time the school had taken part.
Among the more unusual materials used in the event were recycled car parts, made into a dress by degree student Laura Siddall.
Laura's eco-warrior themed garment included used car tyres and headlamps. Ms Pulleyblank said it was the first time such materials had been used by one of her students as part of their collection.
Faiza Jabbar, from Balby, combined East and West in her designs which crossed Indian style clothing with pirate costumes.
While her outfits were among the most colourful, Stephen Hockaday, aged 18, of Bentley, created outfits using only black, described by Ms Pulleyblank as concentrating on shape and design.
The evening show was a 200-seat sell-out, with more than 300 people seeing the afternoon session.
"I'm very pleased with the work the students have created," said Ms Pulleyblank. "There has been some great feedback for some really impressive designs.
"I think we have seen a very innovative selection of designs."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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