Start time: 7.30pm

When: Saturday 23rd October 2010

Where: Birmingham Conservatoire, Adrian Boult Hall, Fletchers Walk, Paradise Forum, Birmingham.

Ticket Outlets: Buy tickets on line at www.myfashiondesigners.co.uk  or www.birminghamboxoffice.co.uk

Taking influence from, and praising the work of designers such as Nkhensani Nkosi, Basso and Brooke and Nathan Jenden for their use of loud prints and flattering silhouettes, Shara believes her Spring/Summer collection is a reflection of her own personality: “The colours for my collection are bright (green and yellow), bold and are reflective of nature to create an organic feel.”

Currently completing a foundation course at London College of Fashion, which she describes as being both “intense and enlightening”, Shara’s motivation for entering MYFDA 2010 is the versatility of her collection. “I think that the collection can appeal to both younger and more sophisticated women. I think that it’s urban in terms of colour and style, but remaining classy at the same time.”

Shara will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

Sanober believes her motivation to enter MYFDA 2010 lies in her passion for experimenting with prints and fabrics, and creating new trends using new combinations of fabric, texture and colour.

Sanober will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

With aspirations to run her very own fashion business in the future, Samera previously entered a Harvey Nichols designs competition and scooped first prize; an example of sheer passion and determination for what she does. Succeeding in previous competitions has fuelled Samera’s ambition to enter MYFDA 2010. “I want to keep entering contests to build up my name and portfolio.”

Samera will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

Taking a particular interest in menswear, with a specific focus on merging sportswear and fashion to form quirky casual wear; Rav admires the functionality of such a combination especially within the work environment.

Currently in her final year studying fashion at Derby University with a specialism in menswear, Rav has acquired a wealth of worthy experience in this time. Having interned as a design assistant at Topman, visual stylist at Gap as well as having participated in Paris Fashion Week working with menswear label ‘Blaak Home’, Rav told MYFDA “these experiences have meant that I have learnt how the industry works and my skills have become more refined to industry standards.”

As well as looking to designers such as Raf Simmons for fashion inspiration, Rav also looks to art for alterative perspectives on designing; particularly taking influence from the work of her favourite artists Gary Hume, Jim Lambie and Arturo Herera.

Rav will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

Rachel enjoys sourcing fabrics and experimenting with different techniques and embellishment.  “I have always been strongly attracted to simply cut, intricate pieces in feminine colours which is a big influence through my work.”

In her spare time, Rachel takes pleasure in making her own clothes and creating new design ideas. She also aspires to have her own fashion business in the future creating “one off intricate and breathtaking garments.”

Rachel will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

Having completed a placement with London based independent designer Julia Smith where Nina learnt the science behind independent design and polished up on skills such as pattern cutting, allowed Nina to apply the technical skill she had acquired from her degree to a real situation, within a professional environment.

Nina admires that fashion is so multi-faceted and thoroughly enjoyed learning new things on her university course “I have adored being able to explore the various areas of the subject through my degree.”

Speaking to MYFDA about her future aspirations, Nina said “I wish to be an independent designer in the future, expressing my personality through my designs.”

Nina will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

Currently completing her final year reading fashion studies at Derby University, Natalie enjoys “embellishing and creating my own garments to wear when I have some spare time.” Having interned with labels such as French Connection, Natalie’s main passion lies in fashion design and she aspires to go on to become a successful fashion designer.

Natalie enjoys looking at an alternative dimension of fashion when it comes to designing clothes, and likes to “think outside the box” when researching ideas for her latest project.

Natalie will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

Citing gowns wore by the likes of Veronica Lake and Joan Crawford, Laura wants to go back to the basic elegance that once instilled in garment design. “I want to develop my designs and finish them to a high standard using luxurious fabrics and highly embellish areas. This will make us appreciate clothes again.”

Currently reading fashion studies at the University of Derby, during which she completed placements with George Asda, Littlewoods, and even got involved with designing Coronation Streets’ costumes, Laura feels these experiences have allowed her to gain a better perspective of the fashion industry and taught her how to channel her efforts into carving out a successful career in fashion.

Inspired by Susi Henson, creative director at Eternal Spirits; a corsetry and bridal wear business, for her entrepreneurial skill and passion for what she does, Laura is greatly influenced by the work of Coco Chanel and Vivienne Westwood for their genuine loyalty to fashion and the distinctive mark they have made on the fashion world.

Laura will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.

The beauty of Claire’s designs lie in birth of a new garment from a previously used garment, and this is what contributes to her aptly named label ‘‘Waste Not Want Not.’ Originally a knitwear designer, Claire aspires to work as a “product developer or designer for an international fashion house.”

Currently in the final year of a four year fashion knitwear degree, Claire has successfully completed placements at New York based knitwear and sportswear company Ralsey Group and international fashion house Burberry; a true emblem of British style.

Key to influencing her designs, Claire praises the work of designers such as Mark Lui for his zero waste collection and John Smedley “for keeping knitwear in England.” Speaking to MYFDA about her future plans, Claire said “I want to be able to set up a label that manufacturers knitwear in the Midlands again and think it is time to bring manufacturing back to the UK.”

Claire will be showcasing her Ready to Wear collection alongside 24 other finalists at the Birmingham Conservatoire on 23^rd October 2010.