The National Diploma and Foundation Degree Fashion students have been gaining practical experience as they work with My Lady Design and Eternity Brides.

They helped on the exhibitors' stands including dressing models, preparing the gowns and working behind the scenes to prepare the models for the catwalk.

Rebecca Byers and Freya Bass competed in the coveted Student Designer of the Year competition designing and producing a wedding gown each.
99 students from colleges and universities nationwide entered the competition with only 13 short listed to compete in the final.

The event allowed the students to enhance their personal and professional development by gaining knowledge and experience on layout, lighting, model direction and staffing numbers while working in a live fashion environment.

National Diploma Fashion and Clothing Student Freya Bass said: "The brief was pretty open which allowed us to be as creative as we liked. Working on this project has allowed me to improve my sewing skills and given me a real confidence boost while teaching me the importance of deadlines and improving my time management skills."

UK and Ireland sales director for My Lady Design, Juliette Rose said: "The students have been really helpful and nothing is too much trouble. One of the students even modelled on the catwalk to help us out. It is the fourth season Harrogate College students have helped us which allows us more time to speak to visitors and exhibitors."

Fashion Lecturer Annabel Smith said: "Events such as this give our students real experience to apply to their course. The level of entries this year has been extremely high with our students rubbing shoulders with world class designers."

To find out more call the College Helpzone on 01423 878211or visit the website: www.leedsmet.ac.uk/harrogate