Mulberry choose MMU fashionista for prize

AN MMU fashion student has beaten entrants from all over the UK to win the prestigious Mulberry design prize.

Jousianne Propp, who is in her final year at the Manchester School of Art, was awarded the £2000 prize by the iconic English fashion house in association with the British Fashion Council.

Entrants had to design a minimum of five autumn/winter looks inspired by ‘Britishness’ which included outerwear and leather.

Jousianne’s designs were chosen by Mulberry creative director Emma Hill herself and head of ready-to-wear Frances Stringer.

Professional and sleek

Emma Hill said: “Jousianne understood the brief completely; her overall vision of the collection was exactly what we were looking for. The quality of sketches, research undertaken and the presentation in general was professional and sleek”

24-year-old Jousianne moved to Manchester from Frankfurt seven years ago with her family, studying A Levels at Loreto College before going on to study BA Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She said: “I wanted to enter because I really like the brand, and thought I could design something which would be appropriate for the Mulberry identity.

“I’d just assumed I hadn’t got anywhere as the winner was supposed to be announced in January, so I was really surprised to hear they had actually chosen me. I’m delighted. ”

High praise

Head of Design at the Manchester School of Art Joe McCullagh congratulated Jousianne: “This really is fantastic news, well done to Jousianne for winning the competition and receiving such high praise from Mulberry.”

Jousianne, who the Telegraph’s fashion correspondent wrote ‘could be the next Emma Hill’ has already attracted the attention of the fashion world after winning another competition to visit Hermes HQ in France in January and learn about textiles and printing.

When asked what’s next Jousianne said: “I just want to keep learning, I’ve been accepted onto a masters in womenswear and knitwear in September and I hope to get some good work experience too.

“I’m going to put some of the prize money towards my final collection, as I’m hoping to go to Graduate Fashion Week in London.

“It’s all very exciting but I still have a lot to learn.”