Sophia is studying for a degree in Fashion Studies which has developed and maintained her skills in both manufacture and design. Sophia’s preferred area is the designing of new garments and is inspired by the work of Elle Saab and the label Preen by Thornton Bregazzi.

However, Sophia also believes that inspiration can “come from anything to make it new and original” and not just the work of existing designers, which gives her own collection a very unique feel. She has produced a collection for the ‘Evening Wear’ category called ‘Egyptian Gold’ which is motivated from the Egyptian period, as she uses gold tones and sandy reds and has focused on the neck-line, a well recognised feature from Egyptian history. By sourcing historical cuts and styles Sophia was able to create a unique and purposeful collection. She is “looking forward to making her designs and bringing them to life.”

Siobhan is studying a Fashion studies degree at the University of Lincoln and has been pursuing an interest in the fashion industry for many years. Her collection for the ‘Ready to Wear’ category is called ‘Modern Geisha’ and is heavily influenced by Japanese street style and culture. This is no surprise as Siobhan particularly enjoys researching different cultures and societies to gain inspiration.

Siobhan studied origami to stimulate ideas and used the folds and pleats she learnt in her garments. She was also enthused by the ‘Lolita’ look and used legwarmers and over the knee socks to portray this. Siobhan finds satisfaction in pushing her boundaries to test her own capabilities. She enjoys the feeling of creating something unique and is looking forward to meeting “likeminded designers” at the MYFDA and believes it will be a very “memorable and valuable experience.”

Reah has recently graduated from university with a degree in Fashion Studies and is influenced by all aspects of 40s and 50s fashion. She feels the styles and techniques demanded respect and esteem which is something she aspires for her own garments and her own collection ‘Elephtheria’ showcases this. Her motivation comes from the freedom she finds in designing clothes and the process of starting from scratch to eventually having a finished piece inspired entirely from her own image. She has already achieved success within the fashion industry producing a collection for shops based in Burton and London and has had designs sold in Japan and America. She is “honoured to have been chosen as a finalist.”

Laura Fox has recently completed a degree in Fashion Studies at Derby University and is particularly interested in British fashion and manufacturing and is keen to promote “what is left of what was a booming industry.” This passion is portrayed through her collection theme of ‘British Heritage’. Laura likes to “design practical clothing which cannot date and is therefore worn numerous times” to discourage the current ‘throwaway’ culture.

She has called her collection ‘Rural Renaissance’ and is inspired by “the history of British brands and fabrics and what makes them iconic”. Laura visited stately homes, English country gardens and studied iconic British brands such as Burberry, Barbour and Harris Tweed. Laura realises the economic downturn is having an effect on fashion and hopes people continue to “purchase British products to keep manufacturing in the UK alive.”

Jessica Harris from Stoke-On-Trent a recent HND Fashion & Textiles graduate believes her experience with the MYFDA is a “fantastic start to her career.” She admirers designers such as Christian Lacriox, Rodarte, Yohji Yanamoto and Basso & Brooke and her focuses lie in merging theatrical designs with the ‘every-day’ clothing lines, producing a unique hybrid that provides one-of-a-kind garments. Her collection; ‘A Midsummer Fusion’ will be showcasing in the Haute Couture category.

Jessica takes inspiration from everything and anything and loves how exciting and fast paced the fashion industry is. Her love of fashion developed from an initial curiosity in art and design. She began utilising her natural artistic flare in fashion and was captivated with the endless possibilities and limitless creativity available. Jessica hopes that her success through the competition will inspire other young designers to do the same as “you never know what may catch someone’s eye!”