Fashion students steal the show with award-winning styles

A creative Coventry University graduate has conquered the catwalk to be named best young designer after impressing judges at the Midlands Fashion Awards 2016.

Sophie Gordon who completed her three-year Fashion BA course this summer, won the prestigious Midlands Young Designer of the Year award last Friday after entering for the first time.

The 22-year-old’s winning collection was inspired by reinventing wardrobe classics through the use of simple designs that are modern, functional and versatile.

Her success was echoed by 2015 graduates, Jacqueline Richards and Rosie Billington who were named as first and second runners up respectively in the evening’s emerging designer category on the night.

Chloe Hollingsworth who graduates from the same course in 2013 also won first runner up in the independent designer group with her clothing brand, Bottle Blonde.

The Midland Fashion Awards was held at Birmingham Symphony Hall on October 7.

Sophie Gordon, who lives in Leamington Spa said:

“I am over the moon and honoured to have won the award. It’s an amazing feeling to know my hard work throughout my final year at Coventry University paid off.

“It’s a great platform for the advanced skills and facilities being utilised there every day, and I now have a huge confidence boost to push myself to finding my dream job within the fashion industry.”

Angela Armstrong, senior lecturer in fashion at Coventry University said:

“We are immensely proud of our students and graduates at Coventry, they continue to do incredibly well, in both national and international competitions.

“It is a privilege to work with such hard working and talented individuals and to be able to share in their continued, outstanding success.”

For further press information please contact Hannah Smith, press officer, on 02477658352 or email hannah.smith@coventry.ac.uk.

Picture Caption:

Sophie Gordon with her designs at the Midlands Fashion Show awards evening. Credit: St Loupe