Fashion students take to the catwalk

Jun 20 2007 By Diane Parkes, Birmingham Mail

FASHION stars of the future took to the stage in Birmingham to showcase their creations in a colourful catwalk display.

Nineteen students from the University of Central England's final year BA Hons in Fashion Design saw their ideas presented in a VIP fashion show at Birmingham Council House yesterday afternoon.

And the show revealed the variety of designs, fabric and inspiration among the group who herald from Birmingham, but also from countries as diverse as China, Norway and Thailand.

The event, which forms part of the fortnight long New Generation Art Festival in Birmingham, did face one setback when guest of honour, Brownhills-born supermodel Erin Connor, was delayed and failed to see the VIP show. But she did meet the students afterwards.

UCE associates head of fashion, Jane Grice, said the event had been a huge success.

"This show has been something for students to work towards," she said. "It's also a launch pad for their careers. It is not only a celebration of what they have achieved but the start of their professional lives."

On the catwalk, the students' ideas ranged from dusky pink lingerie through to PVC bodysuits, one-sleeved dinner jackets to micro mini dresses and glitzy swimsuits through to the poshest of gowns.

NGA director, George Caird, said the student fashion was an integral part of the festival, which aims to promote creativity in the city.

The students' designs will now be displayed at UCE's Gosta Green site from tonight until Friday, 10am to 6pm, and on Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information on NGA visit www.newgenerationarts.co.uk.