Young Fashion manufacturing star

Charlotte Bryan, a graduate from BA (Hons) Fashion Studies in 2010 and from Sleaford in Lincolnshire has been announced as one of thirty young rising stars of the manufacturing world by Business Minister Mark Prisk.

The Make it in Great Britain ‘30 Under 30’ come from all walks of manufacturing and were selected by a panel of expert judges. As well as Charlotte Bryan who is a trainee designer at David Nieper in Derbyshire, they include young talent from companies such as Pendennis Shipyard and GlaxoSmithKline as well as SMEs including The Paper Cup Company and Vantage Power.

Charlottewas selected for being a true high-flyer, standing out from her peers and demonstrating passion, enthusiasm and ambition in her role.  She joined David Nieper straight from university after winning a paid internship at the fashion house and has been employed full-time ever since.  Based in Alfreton in Derbyshire, David Nieper designs and manufacturers all its women’s clothing and lingerie in the UK. 

Charlotte will now go on to act as an ambassador for the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to challenge outdated opinions and transform the image of modern manufacturing.  She will have a special role in engaging with other young people, to ensure that the next generation is aware of the great jobs and careers in the industry.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said:

“There’s a huge range of different job opportunities in modern manufacturing, in design, in engineering and in production.

“We need more talented, enthusiastic people to fill these roles, and we hope that the 30 Under 30 will inspire the next generation to consider a career in manufacturing.”

Paul Jackson, CEO of Engineering UK and one of the 30 Under 30 judges added:

“I am always impressed at the level of young talent present in manufacturing and engineering, and over the years have met countless young people brimming with potential who have gone on to achieve great things.

“That is one of the reasons why I am supporting Make it in Great Britain, and why I was happy to be a judge for the 30 under 30.

“We need to be encouraging more motivated, ambitious young people to consider careers in manufacturing to ensure that the industry continues to grow. The 30 Under 30 finalists are all enjoying successful careers, and I believe that they will inspire other young people to follow in their footsteps. I look forward to meeting them.”

Successful entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den Star Deborah Meaden is backing the Make it in Great Britain campaign, and is particularly supportive of the 30 under 30.

She said: “It’s important to encourage young people to see the value of manufacturing careers. The 30 under 30 will be a valuable asset to the campaign by offering a fresh perspective on what it takes to start up a business or launch new ideas.

“I look forward to working alongside them to help inspire the next generation of youngsters about a future in manufacturing.”

Charlotte Bryan from David Nieper concluded: “It is a great privilege to be chosen especially as I’m the only person representing the fashion manufacturing industry.  I got my big break after winning a paid internship, and know first hand the importance of getting experience in a real-life manufacturing environment.  We’ve already been working with local schools to pass on fashion manufacturing skills, so this is a great opportunity to hopefully inspire more young people to consider a career in manufacturing.”

The Make it in Great Britaincampaign will culminate in an exhibition at the Science Museum, taking place from 24 July until 9 September.

To find out more about Make it in Great Britain, please visit the Make it in Great Britain website.

For more information on David Nieper, visit the David Nieper website.

Fashion student comes 2nd in Chevrolet competition

Fashion student Chloe Smith has just been awarded 2nd place with her fashion entry to the Young Creative Chevrolet! UK competition with her design 50's Vintage Road Trip.

The starting point for the design ideas was an American style 'road trip' and Chloe decided to base hers on a '50's vintage road trip'. Chloe chose Route 66 in America and produced an outfit design that was a modern take on 1950's fashion. She explains that "it is such a famous and well known road trip, I wanted to stylize it and add a modern twist on the 50's fashion.  The car I have chosen to use is the Chevrolet Nomad model, produced from 1955 to 1961 and then again in 1968 to 1972.  This car screams vintage and style with its slick frame and glossy rims.  This car is well suited for a road trip along Route 66.  I could imagine this car being driven by a young stylish couple dressed in modern 50's clothes.

"Styled with short cropped hair and leather boots, the full skirt is a very cool pattern consisting of Chevrolet cars.  The brown belt was taken from the idea of the Chevrolet logo and the shirt would be a light blue denim shirt with added pearls for buttons, as they remind me of the round headlights of the car.  It is also essential on a long journey or road trip to be comfy just as much as being stylish".

This design has earned Chloe 800 euros.  Congratulations to her from us all at Lincoln.

Fashion students at Graduate Fashion Week London

Following our recent Fashion Show here in Lincoln, some of our final year students were selected to showcase their collections at last week's Graduate Fashion Week held over 5 days at London's Earl's Court.

The event was very well attended and our students received some very positive feedback.  Portfolios were openly displayed, as well as panels showing the collections from the Fashion show.  Next year, students will hopefully also have the chance to participate in the catwalk shows, which are only open to Universities after they have participated in the static shows for the first 2 years.

Fashion final year students stage the best show ever

Final year students from this year's BA (Hons) Fashion Studies staged their Fashion Show at the end of last month to a packed house.  Feedback received so far has been fantastic, with many commenting on the strength and diversity of the collections this year.

Selected students from the course will be showcasing their collections at Graduate Fashion Week which opens on Sunday and runs until Wednesday 13 June at Earl's Court, London.  This is the second year running our students have been part of this prestigious event.

Above image shows collection from Sareema Elimlahi, called "Ascencion" which draws its influence from the Egyptian pyramids.  Second year student Marina Walger designed and made the hat from brown felt with orange quills.

At the end of the show, the students thanked their tutors for all their help and support during their three years at Lincoln.  Below image shows Programme Leader Maria Manning receiving her bouquet of flowers.  From centre left, tutors are Victoria Bellandini, Kathy Gaul, Dagmara Childs, and Sarah Elliott, together with technicians Tricia Clarke and Polly Lancaster.

Meanwhile here is a snapshot of some of the collections; all photographs were taken and kindly submitted to the University by local professional photographer Adam Rhoades.