Three De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) fashion students have been shortlisted for the prestigious national Golden Shears award which recognises the best new tailors in Britain.
Second and third year Fashion Design students Hazel Symons, Florence Tudgay and Jack Dorman have sent their creations to London for judging and will find out in March if they are a cut above the rest of the shortlisted students and apprentice tailors for a share of prizes worth £4,500.
Their work will be displayed at a gala catwalk show in Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London.Finalists’ garments are shown by professional catwalk models to an audience from the City, fashion, tailoring and education while a panel of five VIP judges mark the garments on style.
The Golden Shears and £2,000 are awarded to the winner. The runner-up receives Silver Shears and £1,500 and a ‘Rising Star’ wins Silver Shears and £1,000. The awards are presented by the ancient Merchant Taylor’s Company, which received its first Royal Charter in 1327.
The three DMU students are proud to be representing DMU in a prestigious competition which recognises the best of British craftsmanship. They are not allowed to reveal their designs before judging day.
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Hazel Symons, a second year Fashion Design student, from Launceston, in Cornwall, said: “I finished the piece on the day it had to go for judging so I have a good idea what pressure is.
“It is my first ever tailoring project so I am delighted the hard work has paid off. If I win, the money will go towards my third year final project.”
Florence Tudgay, a third year Fashion Design student, from Purbrook, near Portsmouth, said: “When I found out I was in the final I was shocked to say the least. I wasn’t in the best of moods before I found out and it really brightened up my day.
“The course is hard work, you are pushed and there is a lot of pressure but I have learned so much and I wouldn’t change anything.
“There is no doubt having three finalists is great for us as students but also great for the reputation of the course at DMU.”
Jack Dorman, 21, third year fashion design student from Earl Shilton, said: “It means a lot just to be a finalist because it’s really good to put on my CV.
“I don’t have the time to do work experience that a lot of people do because I work as well as study so it’s just really nice to be recognised for my work and this is something really prestigious to show.
“I’m interested in a career in men’s outerwear and tailoring so this competition will really help because it’s the first step for me into the industry and getting noticed.
“Lots of the entrants are Savile Row tailor’s apprentices so it’s really pleasing to be acknowledged among them.”
Posted on Tuesday 3 February 2015