Top show from model pupils

Mar 27 2007 By Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail

PARIS, Milan, New York...and Brum! Fashion gurus take note - our vibrant city is set to become one of the global catwalk venues if these young designers have anything to do with it.

The Birmingham trend setters are designing visionary outfits which could make them the Donna Karan, Stella McCartney and Tom Ford of the future.

Could the strap-on bustle catch on or how about customised school blazers?

These were just a couple of the original concepts created by fashion students at King Edward VI Handsworth School which they showed off at their annual fashion show.

More than 40 girls from years 10, 11 and the sixth form who are studying textiles cut a dash with a variety of creations from 50s-style ball gowns to off-the-peg saris.

Many of the school's former fashion students have won coveted places at London's Central St Martin's School of Art and Design and the London College of Fashion.

Jane Holden, head of textiles, said: "One of our more original ideas is the strap-on bustle which the girls modelled over jeans.

"We think it's an item of fashion that could be making a comeback.

"It also gives the students a valuable chance to |experiment with fancy fabrics and flounces while practising pleating and gathering."

In a slightly rebellious move girls from year 10, who no longer have to wear blazers as uniform, decided to customise the jackets and transform them into fashion accessories.

Year 11 students modelled a fusion of eastern and western fashion plus a selection of Oscar dresses and gowns designed for particular actresses.

There was even a mermaid's dress where the model had to be lifted on stage.

Ms Holden added: "I have high expectations and I must say I have some extremely talented students who can tackle very complex designs. The fashion show is held to inspire the younger girls and show them what they can achieve."