51Âþ»­

Two students due to graduate this summer from their Contour Fashion course at 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) have been awarded £500 each in recognition of their outstanding work.

Final year students Meryn Parry and Niamh West were presented with their prizes after a spectacular Contour Fashion catwalk show, which special guest Dame Zandra Rhodes had said was of a ‘beautiful high standard’.

Meryn receives her Technical Award from sponsors Stretchline

Meryn was presented with the end-of-year ‘Technical’ award, sponsored by elasticated fabric manufacturers Stretchline, while Niamh received the ‘Creative’ award, sponsored by lingerie company Lounge, for ‘inspirational excellence and outstanding visual impact’.

Meryn said: “I feel amazing. It’s insane! Everyone on the course put in so much effort this year. It is an award from people who know everything about the industry so to be chosen is brilliant.

One of Meryn's pieces on the catwalk at the Contour Fashion show

“The Contour Fashion course was amazing. I was originally looking to study Fashion design but then I walked down the corridor of the Contour Fashion studio and I knew that was where I belonged.

“Rachel (Toner, programme Leader for Contour Fashion) and Julie (Swinfield, Senior lecturer in Contour Fashion) have been fantastic. I can’t fault the course and I would highly recommend it. It is so good.”

Niamh (right) with her Creative Award presented by Lounge

Niamh, who has already started a job with ethical lingerie brand Studio Pia, said: “I am shocked and surprised but so grateful to have won. I lack a bit of self-belief so it is nice to hear such lovely things being said about my work.

“The tutors are amazing. They have been like my mums for three years. I could not ask for better.”

Two pieces from Niamh's final collection 

During the presentation Dr Thomas Weir, 51Âþ»­s Development Manager, told assembled industry reps about the new 51Âþ»­ Create fund.

He said: “We have launched our new and essential 51Âþ»­ Create Fund, which will help ensure our students can get the fair chance their talent deserves at design and career opportunities, regardless of their finances.”

You can read more about the fund and make a pledge at 51Âþ»­ Create.