Fashion student's designs to hit London Fashion Week catwalk
26 January 2017
Heidi Mortimer-Hicks named FAD Competition 2017 finalist
Designs by Manchester School of Art, BA Fashion, student Heidi Mortimer-Hicks, are set to feature at London Week Week next month after she was named as a finalist in the FAD Competition 2017, ran by award-winning young persons’ development charity Fashion Awareness Direct.
Described as an ‘undeniable springboard’ for young people seeking a career in the fashion industry, the annual FAD competition challenges undergraduate students to respond to intelligent briefs that integrate art, culture and social trends in fashion.
Past competition finalists have gone onto work for companies such as Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Speaking about her selection, Heidi commented that: ‘I was completely shock to have been named a finalist. I wasn’t going to apply for the competition until my tutor told me to. It is a great opportunity to show my work and I’m really excited to.’
Heidi is one of 20 finalists whose responses to a brief have been selected to be showcased at London Fashion Week.
This year, FAD collaborated with global fashion brand Missoni to set a brief where applicants were encouraged to adopt the ‘Missoni approach’ to creating their work. They are tasked with designing a mini-collection, comprising of two outfits inspired by artwork.
‘My work is inspired by childhood naivety and South American magical realism’, explained Heidi, ‘I started firstly with colour and texture and worked by designs around that.’
Dr Susan Atkin, BA Fashion Programme Leader, was impressed by Heidi’s technical skills and dedication, stating that:
‘FAD is a fantastic organisation that recognises and supports talent in the area of fashion. It is a reflection of Heidi’s excellent use of colour and craft skills, together with considered design development that has led to her producing such a great mini-collection for Missoni that they have shortlist her [for]’.
Heidi will be showcasing two outfits at the FAD competition catwalk before a panel of industry judges at Fashion Scout at London Fashion Week on 20 February.
