Graduate’s collection to hit Paris catwalk for world-leading fashion show
A De Montfort University (DMU) graduate’s biker-style collection is to appear on the runway at one of Europe’s most renowned fashion trade shows after winning a prestigious competition.
Lauren Pharoah, a fashion design graduate from Leicester’s DMU, is one of 10 finalists to be shortlisted for the Arts Thread Fashion Graduate Competition, and will see her final year collection showcased at the world-leading Who's Next/ Prêt-à-Porter fashion tradeshow in Paris.
This year creative graduate website Arts Thread teamed up with Who's Next/ Prêt-à-Porter to help launch the careers of ten designers. Universities and colleges from across the globe were invited to nominate one graduate from 2011 to win the opportunity to travel to Paris and showcase their collection at the heart of one of Europe’s fashion capitals.
From Saturday 21 to Tuesday 24 January Lauren’s collection will not only hit the runway for the event’s signature catwalk shows, but will also be showcased in the Fame arena which features the top creative international women's ready-to-wear brands. This exclusive section will give Lauren the chance to show off her work to hundreds of retailers and buyers in search of high-class products.
For her Four and Twenty Black Birds collection, Lauren put her stamp on the classic biker-look by using animal-hides such as python skin and sheepskin. She also used studded materials, fringed fabrics and various leathers in different colours and textures to embellish her unique collection.
Lauren, 22, from Coventry, said: “The collection range is quite gothic but soft at the same time, combining beautifully distressed materials, fully glass beaded couture fabrics and classic styling.
“I have used a variety of natural materials in my collection, and a lot of hand-finished, detailed fabrics for the garments. I like to create things which are a twist on classic tailored pieces by using fabrics that aren’t normally used. I still wanted to get that luxurious and expensive feel, so I mixed this with the leather skins to create an interesting marriage between the two.”
Outside of university, Lauren has already gained industry experience when she was involved in the costume design for a music video which was produced for DJ Paul Morrell featuring former Sugababes singer Mutya Buena.
She is currently working at DMU helping current fashion design students with their projects, but hopes Who’s Next/ Prêt-à-Porter will open up further career opportunities for her.
“I’m really excited about the show and am hoping it will help in getting my name noticed within the industry. It will be a great platform to showcase my work and gain contacts, and hopefully get people interested in buying some of my pieces as well. Eventually one day I would love to own my own shop selling my own collections, so hopefully winning the Arts Thread competition is just the start of great things to come.”
Della Swain, fashion design course leader at DMU, said: “We’re delighted for Lauren and wish her every success in Paris. She has done extremely well to be picked for such a prestigious international event, giving her a fantastic opportunity to showcase her unique talent to top industry names."
