AN EAST London student will get to showcase her work at London Fashion Week after reaching the finals of a national design contest.
City and Islington College student Nusra Njimbere, 17, has been shortlisted for charity Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD)’s ‘Fashion Futures’ competition.
After making the cut, the Hackney resident worked with FAD on designs with the brief of “fusion”. It saw the youngsters combine London streetwear with Indian sub-continental style, according to the Hackney Gazette.
At the end of a 10-week project, the 100 shortlisted youngsters presented their designs to a panel of industry experts, including May Martin, former judge on BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee. The judges then chose 21 finalists.
It’s been a totally new experience for Njimbere. “I’ve gotten a lot of help, which I really appreciate,” she said.
“This is not something I’m used to.
“For me it’s quite difficult because I’ve never done something that’s required so many pieces.
“It’s been great having so many volunteers here to help.”
Each of the 21 finalists will now get to see their designs paraded down the famous catwalk on September 19, with three runners-up and a winner to be chosen at the end of it.
“Fashion Futures has taught me that I need to stop placing boundaries and restricting myself to thinking things have to look a certain way,” Njimbere added.
“It’s also taught me that the industry welcomes anyone, as long as you put 100 per cent in. It’s so nice here because everyone’s so different. It’s so interesting looking at everyone’s designs and seeing the diversity. I love it.”
