TWO aspiring fashion designers have made it to the final of a prestigious national tailoring competition.
Ciara Britton, aged 21, and teenager Matthew Stanley, 15, who are both studying City and Guilds at Inkberrow Design Centre, based at the Old Needle Works, on Britten Street in Redditch, can’t wait to see how their garments measure up on the catwalk in March.
The Golden Shears Awards at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in London, dubbed the ‘Oscars of tailoring’, offers an opportunity for budding tailors to have their designs recognised by influential people in the industry.
“I can’t believe this is actually happening,” said Matthew, a student at RSA Arrow Vale. “I’ve never done anything on this scale before – it means so much to us.”
Ciara said: “It’s incredible that we are two of 25 finalists.
“When I got the email confirming my place the first thing I did was ring Matthew and see if he made it too.
“Now that I know we both have, it’s like a dream come true.”
Ciara and Matthew made it through the early stages of the competition, which involved showing how they created their garments – construction and pattern for a two piece suit – and the technical side behind it.
A hundred garments were entered into the competition.
Their designs will now be worn by top models on the catwalk in front of a panel of celebrity judges, which in the past has included David Furnish, Sandra Rhodes, Hilary Alexander and Joanna Lumley.
The final will take place on March 18, 2019 and marks will be awarded for design, cutting and tailoring.
The Golden Shears and £3,000 in prize money are awarded to the entrant with the highest total of marks with the runner-up receiving Silver Shears and £2,500.
The ‘Rising Star’ award winner – third place also wins Silver Shears and a cheque for £2,000.
Inkberrow Design Centre managing director Brenda Killagrew, who has more than 25 years experience in fashion education, said: “I’m so proud of them both, they have done exceptionally well.
“For us it’s the equivalent of reaching the FA Cup final.”
