Style students to sizzle on catwalk

It may be home to some of the world's top fashion designers, but Clothes Show Live is also a showcase for designers of the future – and they are right here on our doorstep.

Students from the University of Wolverhampton will be part of the nation's largest fashion and beauty extravaganza this week as their designs take to the catwalk at Clothes Show Live 2008. They will be showing off their collection of ''up-cycled" garments on the College Catwalk at the six-day fashion event, which opens its doors at Birmingham's NEC on Friday.

Fashion accessories students from the university's School of Art & Design are showcasing their creative work under the banner "tribal elegance'' taking inspiration from traditional samurai armour using soft fabrics with pleating and embellishments.

Garments include recycled products donated by Cannock-based children's charity, Newlife Foundation, sheepskin by Fenlands and leather from Pittards.

Professional models will be showcasing their creations on the catwalk everyday from December 5 to 10, while the students will also have a stand alongside 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, exhibiting a variety of work.

It is the third time the art school has been involved in the Clothes Show.

Course tutor for BA (Hons) Fashion Accessories, Anne Chaisty, said: "This year we will be showing a spectacular collection and I think this will be our best show ever.

"This is exactly the kind of project fashion students should be doing. The collection really looks like a high-end fashion collection."

She added: "Not only does this give the students a great opportunity to be creative, it also helps profile the Newlife charity.

"We very much looking forward to the event," she said.

Student Becky Forster, 23, of Penn, Wolverhampton, said she was delighted to be part of the project. "I'm looking forward to seeing our work on the catwalk. It's a great show and this is a great opportunity for us," she said.

Meanwhile, Stafford College student Zoe Smith is hoping for success at the Clothes Show Live as she is up for a Young Designer of the Year award. She beat hundreds to make it onto the shortlist and will find out if she is successful on Monday.

* Clothes Show Live runs at the NEC from December 5 to 10. Tickets are available from the website www.clothesshowlive.com