Colourful designs coupled with dramatic flair wowed industry professionals as 51Âþ» Leicester (51Âþ»)’s Contour Fashion students staged their final catwalk show - and fashion legend Zandra Rhodes had a front-row seat.
Students took inspiration from everything from Greek tragedy to nature, female empowerment and their favourite beach to create their final collections.
The Venue at 51Âþ» was transformed into a catwalk yesterday for the show, which was attended by more than 100 industry professionals including top names including Lounge, Next, George at Asda and John Lewis, along with proud family and friends.
Designer Zandra Rhodes, who donated more than 30 years’ worth of design archive material to 51Âþ» this year, came to support the students and took pictures from the front row.
She said: “I thought it was so professional. Beautiful ideas, wonderful fit and it all flowed wonderfully.”
The course, which was established back in 1947, is the oldest and most successful degree in intimate apparel making it well known in the industry.
Designers specialise in disciplines covering the ‘body intimates’ markets of lingerie, sportswear, swimwear and corsetry.
“It had a lot of impact,” said Craig Spellar, design director of global company Ananta Intimates. Katherine Lopez, head of US operations for Ananta, added: “I think the fact that the girls also worked in other elements into their designs such as jackets was a great way to make their collections really stand out.”
“It was a fantastic show,” said Caroline Ellmore, Global Design Lead at Stretchline, the world’s largest manufacturer of elastics and narrow fabrics, which supplies many of the world’s leading brands in lingerie, lounge and leisure apparel. "I wanted to stop some of the models for a closer look to see how the students had designed their pieces.”
This year’s students all began their studies during the pandemic so did not meet in person until their second year, but say they have become “like a family”.
“We are all so close,” said Abi Free, who has now got a job with sportswear company Samurai. “When you study a course like contour yes it’s hard and it’s competitive but we all support each other and we all have completely different styles so we are there for each other.”
Kya Addison said: “I was actually really nervous because I was coming off a year in industry but everyone was so welcoming I felt like I’d known them all my life.”
Jessie Drabble, designer at Panache, said: “It was just so lovely. Obviously being ex students, it resonates a lot because we remember what it was like ourselves, being so nervous and then seeing it on the catwalk. it’s a magical moment and we know how much it means.”
Disha Lulla, product developer, at Panache, said: “It was just amazing. The work keeps getting better and better every year.”
Posted on Friday 14 July 2023