Contour Fashion students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will be quick to tell you how demanding their three year course is.
But the class of 2018 were just as swift last week to say how the challenges they faced on the world-renowned course had been totally worth it, as they saw their collections paraded on the London catwalk.
The final year Contour designers, who specialise in disciplines covering the ‘body intimates’ markets of lingerie, sportswear, swimwear and corsetry, saw their stunning hand-crafted designs hit the runway in front of some of the biggest industry names in the opulent surroundings of Freemasons’ Hall, Covent Garden.
And the experience was the icing on the cake for what they all agreed had been a course which had them thoroughly prepped for a career in fashion.
Meghan Kiely, from Lutterworth, designed a collection called Architextura – a contemporary fusion of Gothic architecture and linear structures – and has already secured a job as a graduate designer at lingerie giant M&S.
Meghan, who also modelled some of her peers’ work on the runway alongside the professionals, said: “I have an overwhelming sense of pride. We have all worked really hard and we all deserve the recognition.
“Seeing your work on the runway worn by professional models makes it all worthwhile. Being a model was actually really fun. Showcasing the final pieces in front of the audience made me proud of myself and proud of my friends.”
Karen Adams, from Somerset, produced a collection of performance sportswear influenced by the architecture of St Matthias Church in Budapest.
She said after the show: “It is just a little bit overwhelming and really emotional. To see my pieces on the catwalk after so much hard work makes you realise how much you love the course and how much I want to do this for the rest of my life. It’s a brilliant conclusion to my time at DMU.”
Jasmine Webb, from Norfolk, used screen printing and digital printing techniques so that her collection represented the growth and colouration of moss.
She said: “I feel super great! The show went really well. Lots of industry showed up and I am really proud of everyone. I have an interview for a job next week. I am a bit nervous but I feel I have learned all the skills to be able to work in the industry.
“I enjoyed the course so much and I am sad to leave. Three years went by so quickly, especially the last six months when we were all working on our final collections. Although I’m sad to go, I’m looking forward to coming back here next year and being able to watch the catwalk, rather than worry what’s on it!”
Industry connections are key on the Contour course and Kitty Daler-Finch, from Dorset, won a placement with fashion house ASOS earlier this year in a DMU-run competition. Her garments were influenced by Art Deco interiors and architecture in New York.
She said: “Honestly? Studying Contour Fashion at DMU is the best thing I have ever done. It is so rewarding. All of the staff are incredibly supportive and when it all comes together like this on the catwalk…well…I would recommend the course to everyone. It’s hard work, but amazing.”
Like all of her peers, Sara Cosford, from Oxford, was quick to praise the Associate Professor of Contour Fashion, Gillian Proctor.
Sara’s collection was called Nymphaea and was influenced by the 1896 John William Waterhouse painting Hylas and the Nymphs as well as the waterlily house in Kew Gardens.
She said: “Gillian is just the best. She really is brilliant and keeps us all going. She has so much knowledge and encourages us all with our designs. I don’t know how we all got our collections completed! It was hard work – you have to be dedicated - but it has been brilliant.”
Read more information on
DMU’s Contour Fashion course and how to apply.
Posted on Tuesday 12 June 2018