Two former Wigan & Leigh College fashion students
were selected to show their final degree collections on the catwalk at London
Graduate Fashion week.
The event was held at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, East London from 2nd - 5th June and is a major date in the fashion calendar.
The world leading event celebrates the creativity of students and graduates within fashion and showcases the work of over 1,000 of the very best; promoting new talent and attracting around 30,000 guests.
Former Westleigh High School pupil, April Unsworth has now finished her final year at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design after gaining a Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction* in her BTEC Level 3 Fashion & Clothing course at College.
She gained her place after professional stylists attended the University to judge their end of year catwalk.
April, 20 said: “I loved the course at Wigan & Leigh College and it was a great start leading towards university and my degree.
“I was very excited to showcase my work at London GFW as it's what I have been working towards since College. It was amazing to be selected, I couldn't believe it at first – it was a great experience to display my work on the catwalk."
The fashion starlet was a finalist for the Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing range scholarship in which 120 people applied and her portfolio provided an opportunity for employers to have a look at her designs.
Former Hawkley Hall High School pupil, Jacob Connolly graduated from the HND Fashion Design course at the University Centre, Wigan & Leigh College before progressing onto a Top-up Degree - BA (Hons) Fashion Design at UCLan.
Jacob was also selected to showcase his work down the catwalk in which has been a regular occurrence for Wigan & Leigh College fashion alumni over the years.
Both fashion students needed to provide six outfits for the prestigious London show; which has helped to launch the careers of notable fashion moguls Stella McCartney and Christopher Bailey, MBE.
Fashion expert and course tutor, Dawn Cunningham said: “I am very proud of April and Jacob’s achievement at being selected by their University to show their Final Degree Collection on the catwalk of Graduate Fashion Week in London.
“They would have been up against tough competition among their peers to secure a place. They were all highly creative and dedicated fashion students during their time with us and they are truly an inspiration to our current students as to what can be achieved with hard work and commitment to your studies.”
After graduating, April has career ambitions of becoming high street fashion designer.