News Talented designer scoops top award
A budding fashion designer from Barmby-on-the Marsh has won a prestigious award for his talents.
Thomas Rothery (22), a final-year BA (Hons) fashion student at Manchester Metropolitan University, was presented with the Fashion Innovation Award following a display of his collection at Graduate Fashion Week last Tuesday.
He was presented with the award by fashion experts Gok Wan and Caryn Franklin in an Oscar-style award ceremony and will now see his work on the catwalk in London.
Judges for Graduate Fashion Week select a limited number of students from across the country to showcase their collections at the annual event, which attracts industry professionals and press from across the globe.
Tom said: "My collection combines cycling with fashion and I knitted reflective yarn into my jumpers to make them practical. I lowered the hems on the back of shirts to make sure they don't come out of trousers when cycling. I also used reflective ink on ponchos."
He added: "I already knew Gok from a photo shoot I did with him from a few years ago and he remembered me!"
Tom received £750 and £250 for his university, as well as a trophy. He has also been granted access to the mentor panel, which includes high-level industry types.
He will now go to London and show his designs at the Graduate Fashion Week there.
The annual event has launched the careers of numerous British designers including Julien Macdonald and Stella McCartney and has seen fashion students who have showcased their work being snapped up by the likes of Calvin Klein and Gucci.
He said: "It is pretty amazing. Manchester picked up three awards this year and the year group has done well overall."
A former pupil of Hook Primary School, Carlton Holy Family and John Leggott Sixth Form College, Tom has always had a keen interest in fashion. He describes his style as classic with a sporty edge. He said: "I like the outdoorsy stuff and the classic menswear and also the 'out-there' stuff like Paul Smith - working for Paul Smith would be great."
Tom will spend the summer in London working in Liberty, a department store on Regent Street, where he will be working with a team of designers.
Eventually he wants to work with outdoor sports brands or classic menswear and eventually have his own fashion label.
He said: "I would like to thank all my teachers at school and college for supporting me."
Pictured above are Gok Wan, Thomas and Caryn Franklin. (19-06-79 SU) Photo courtesy of Christopher Moore Ltd.
Published on 19th June 2008 in News.
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