Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Fashion fans from across Ayrshire and beyond gathered at the Burns Birthplace Museum on Thursday 24th May, as final year students from Ayr College showcased their creations on the catwalk at the college’s annual fashion show.

Eighteen HND students unveiled and modelled their designs. The show, compered by Jen McGinlay from West FM, was called The Elite Collection demonstrating a year of hard work by the students. This year fashion students were set an exciting challenge to design textile products using cashmere from Alex Begg & Company, Scotland.

Retail Sales Manager, Margarette Bryan, said; “We gave the students the challenge of an open brief allowing plenty of scope for creativity. The students came along to our shop in Ayr and selected from a wide range of beautiful cashmere fabrics. Over the last few months they have been designing and making their collections and I’ve had the opportunity of previewing some of the designs.

I was looking for that spark of ingenuity –a really stand out design that would enhance our brand. I interviewed the students about the design process to understand the journey they have taken from initial concept through to finished product. Some designs might look great on paper but do not translate well into a completed garment. Ultimately I was looking for a designer who demonstrated excellent entrepreneurial skills as it is this that will make the key difference in today’s retail environment.”

The winner announced at the fashion show was Jillian Cunningham, 20, from Galston who designed a turquoise puffball jacket. Margarette Bryan said, “I was extremely impressed with Jillian’s design, she demonstrated superior skills in the design and construction of the garment which contained many complex elements. As well as winning the coveted crystal trophy, Jillian’s design will be used by Alex Begg and Company in our advertising and promotion within the retail department over the next year.”

Curriculum Leader Anne McCaig explains, “I’d like to congratulate Jillian on her well-deserved success. We have been really fortunate to be working with such a high profile Scottish brand and I am proud that our students have risen to the challenge of developing some really exciting and innovative designs. Our fashion courses are preparing the next generation for working in various fashion careers by giving them an opportunity to explore and develop a wide variety of skills from design, garment manufacture to retail. I am sure Jillian has a bright future ahead of her.”

The event was organised by second year HND students and is a collaboration between the Fashion and Textiles Department and the Hair and Beauty Department, who worked behind the scenes to create hair and make up for the show.

The annual fashion show has become a highlight of Ayr’s events calendar. The £360 profits from the show will be donated to the Vanessa Riddle Appeal.