A graduate from De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester’s prestigious Contour Fashion course will have her work judged at the Midlands Fashion Awards - before she jets off to Australia to start work at a luxury swimwear brand.
Shortlisted: Isla (right) with a model wearing one of her creations
Isla Gilbertson, whose dramatic silver and faux fur creations were shown on the catwalk in Covent Garden as part of the DMU Contour Fashion students’ final year degree show in June, has been shortlisted in the Young Designer of the Year category of the awards.
Focusing on recognizing, inspiring and promoting the wealth of talent within the Midlands, the Midlands Fashion Awards bring fashion creators and fashionistas together for a night of glitz and glamour at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre.
Isla will have her end-of-year creations from her time at DMU modelled on the catwalk alongside the work of six other young designers, before the judges announce the winner.
A week later she will be flying to Australia, to take up an internship at Jets Swimwear, a couture brand based in Sydney.
Isla said: “It was really exciting news that the judges at the Midlands Fashion Awards really liked my work. I was still a student at DMU when I entered and I only had one completed piece of work for my final show completed at the time.
“So I sent them some pictures and some mock-ups and then they contacted me to say I was in the final seven. It’s great recognition. A week later I’m starting an internship in Sydney which will be amazing.”
DMU’s Contour Fashion course specialises in creating intimate body wear such as lingerie, nightwear, swimwear and sportswear.
Established in 1947 to support the local corset industry, Contour Fashion is the oldest and most successful degree-level course in intimate apparel and is widely regarded by industry experts as one of the best in the world. Graduates go on to work for companies such as H&M, Burberry, Abercrombie & Fitch, Curvy Kate, M&S and Kurt Geiger.
Isla said: “The course at DMU taught me really valuable skills that I can use within the industry. I have to admit it could be stressful at times but then so is the fashion industry. It was a great course with a great atmosphere and a great family of girls who all looked after each other.
“The DMU contour catwalk show in Covent Garden in June was a really valuable experience and great preparation for the awards on Friday.”
Gillian Proctor, Subject Leader for DMU’s Contour Fashion courses, said: “I am thrilled for Isla to have been nominated for this prestigious award. She has already underlined her creative skills, winning The Leathersellers’ Company Award, utilising her skill working with a mix of fabrics, trims and subtle print.
“Alongside her peer group, Isla has consistently delivered an extremely high level of expertise, commitment and innovation. The students work so incredibly hard, due to the complexity of the garments produced. They all showed the drive and commitment you need to succeed in the world of fashion and Isla deserves all of the success that comes her way. We wish her well and the very best of luck in her new life in Australia.”
Posted on Tuesday 13 October 2015