2015 South Final

A selection of the South’s most talented young fashion designers arrived at Kent College Pembury on Saturday for the annual regional final of the Young Fashion Designer UK Competition. A total of fifteen finalists from schools within the catchment area between Oxfordshire to Cornwall travelled to be with us on the day. The finalists showcased a wide range of design and make skills including laser cut fabrics, sublimation prints and complex structural garments made for a dynamic and exciting exhibition. The event not only gave the chance for students to display their work but also to provide an insightful and varied day of fashion related activities whilst the team of judges from a number of different professions within fashion and retail had the tough job of deciding which students should receive the top prizes.

The students took part in textiles workshops run by Kent College Old Girls, Laura and Josie, who are currently at Central Saint Martins. They also had the privilege of watching a demonstration by title sponsors TechSoft and hearing all about the business. During the awards ceremony the finalists also heard from George Chaffey, who shared his exciting journey since winning the competition last year.

Our judging team each bought a wealth of experience to critic the finalist’s work. As part of the judging process, the judges talked to the students about future plans and work experience opportunities. The expert team was made up of, YFD Founder Karen Wintle, blogger Kat Farmer, interior design boutique owner Natasha Lade, fashion print designer Kate Hasted, couture designer Allison Rodger, fashion designer and stylist Sue-Mee Maudsley and 2014 A2 Winner George Chaffey.

With such stiff competition the finalists did extremely well and should be proud of how they presented themselves to the professionals. The judges found that only one or two marks separated the students making final judging a close call.

This year we have had the pleasure of working alongside TechSoft Textiles as Lead Sponsor for the YFDUK 2015 event. TechSoft Textiles Manager, Heidi Ambrose-Brown has helped to prompt the YFDUK competition through TechSoft Textiles, and on behalf of TechSoft Textiles she has given away six Brother Innov-is 35 sewing machines as First Prize to each of the winners at each level in each region; we are hugely grateful to Heidi and the team at TechSoft Textiles for the support that they have given in rewarding the talented students that have impressed each of us in the 2015 competition.

Teachers said how they were glad that such event is available to showcase the hard work that goes into such pieces and these talented individuals gain the credit they deserve. At Kent College we are incredibly proud to be a part of YFDUK and see the event as a much-needed platform from which to celebrate the achievements of students that have a flair for fashion. We are so grateful to all of the judges, businesses and finalists who have made YFDUK 2015 South Region event such a tremendous occasion. Each year the competition is growing and who knows where these students will be in years to come? Look out for the event in 2016!

YFDUK South Region 2015 Prize Winners

A Level

First Prize – Hannah Smith, Dame Alice Owens School
Second Prize – Abigail Wilderspin, Dame Alice Owens School
Third Prize – Molly Rance, Hillview School

Runners up:

Jamie Brown, Hillview School

Abigail Lewer, Invicta Grammar School

AS Level

First Prize – Amy Edmeads, Hillview School
Second Prize – Isabel Smith, Blackheath High School
Third Prize – Yasmin Spraggs, Kent College Pembury

Runners up:

Charlie Jukes, Claremont Fan

Lucy Johansson, Hillview School

GCSE

First Prize – Elizabeth Simms, Sheldon School
Second Prize – Lara Pain, Kent College Pembury
Third Prize – Bethany Love, Hillview School

Runners up:

Aston Corner, Hillview School

Jelena Rois, King Ely

Highly Commended

GCSE

Bethany Frances, Hillview School
Joanne Boulter, Hillview School
Katherine Buckly, Hillview School
Maddison Bartley, Sheldon School
Niamh Wilson, Claremont Fan School
Tanith Davies, Burgess Hill

AS
Eleanor Armstrong, Downe House School
Freya Esam, Downe House School
Hollie Webb Hinton, Hillview School
Holly Clifton, Hillview School
Laura Horsfield, Burgess Hill School for Girls
Rachel Rose, Hillview School

A2
Aiecia Harper, Homewood School
Abigail Lewer, Invicta Grammar
Amy Shortis, The Marist School
Francesca Redican-Clarke,Combe Bank School
Hattie Gill, Wimbledon High School
Harriet Paine, Burgess Hill School
Ilyana Abdullah, Down House School
Jerry Huang, Saint Felix School
Kitty Watson, Kings Ely
Lily Head, Combe Bank School
Nazifa Ali, Invicta Grammar
Polly Henderson, Burgess Hill School
Rachel Coombes, Dame Alice Owens School
Rosie Levett, Invicta Grammar