Lydia's Winning Designs to be Displayed at London Fashion Show
17 Apr 2024
A talented designer from Ashby School will see her work about her experience of autism displayed at Graduate Fashion Week in London after coming second in a national competition.
Lydia Freeman in Year 10 entered the 'Young Talent of Tomorrow Fashion Design Competition' after encouragement from textiles teacher Sian Sheldon.
Entrants were asked to focus on the theme of identity to 'create the outfit of your dreams, showcasing your creativity and fashion design skills'.
Lydia chose to base her design around 'My Friend Autism' and used her illustrations to highlight and explain her own experience of the condition. Her three-part submission included a cloak covered in spikes, representing the wish for people to keep their distance; a second cloak decorated with eyes, to denote unwelcome stares; and a reversible cloak with butterfly detail on the underside. The butterfly was used to symbolise the hidden and often misunderstood nature of autism.
Lydia's designs were accompanied by a short written explanation of her creation.
Her illustrations will now be professionally printed and displayed at Graduate Fashion Week in London. As well as a goodie bag and framed print of her work, Lydia will get tickets to attend GFW24 to watch a catwalk show at which her work will be digitally showcased.
Lydia, who studies art and textiles at GCSE, said: "I was quite nervous when I submitted my work but I was ecstatic to get second place."
Ms Sheldon added: "Lydia's designs are her way of expressing herself and it's fantastic that her talents have been recognised in this national competition, beating hundreds of other young designers from across the UK. Watch this space!"