Asha crowned Fashion Queen

21 year-old MMU fashion graduate Asha Modi has scooped the prestigious title of North West Young Designer of The Year 2009.

Beating off tough competition from nine other designers, Asha’s collection wowed an expert judging panel that included Manchester Evening News Style Editor Helen Tither, Unique Boutique owner Maria McGreevy and ex-Emmerdale starlet Roxanne Pallett.

Big break

North West Young Designer of The Year aims to discover the fashion designers of the future. Ten finalists were selected from hundreds of entries to showcase their collections in a fashion show held at Manchester’s Triangle Shopping Centre.

With the standard of this year’s finalists ‘amazingly high’ according to the judges, Asha can take great pride in being awarded the accolade. As the competition winner Asha’s collection will go on sale at Unique Boutique in the Triangle, the perfect launch pad for a budding designer trying to break into the fashion industry.

Dream come true

Asha said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won, especially after having seen the high standard of competition from the other designers! Having the opportunity to sell my collection in a real boutique is literally a dream come true and I couldn’t have wished for a better start in what will hopefully by a long career in the fashion industry.”

Asha took inspiration for her collection from the drape and femininity of vintage undergarments, men’s tailoring and the colour palette of sculptor Anish Kapoor.

Maria McGreevey, owner of Unique Boutique said: “The competition is perfect for the region’s emerging talent. Asha’s designs will offer our customers a really individual and wearable style that I have no doubt will be extremely popular.”

MMU graduates have a strong presence at the North West Young Designer of The Year awards each year, with fashion alum Liam Evans taking the title in 2007.