The Meryl Collection

David Nieper  is a Derbyshire based fashion house and is a highly prized and fought for competition which aims to find the best student fashion designer. I had to design a collection for the over 50's market, which had to ooze quality. A 5 piece collection made for £150 to flatter the middle aged body but be able to be bought online and postal order so it couldn't be too complicated or fitted. 

The Meryl collection.

My collection was inspired by the award winning actress Meryl Streep. I have a Secret obsession with her film. so I thought it was the obvious choice to use her as my muse. She is successful, chic, and I think my clients would desire to be like her or at least be as stylish as her. She often attends red carpet events but instead of wearing the biggest designer of that time she wears what suits her body often covering her arms, wearing dresses which show off her waist and her best bits. But she isn't afraid to be noticed  while being comfortable at the same time. 

I tried to make my collection trend aware while also being realistic for the mature woman. I used bold printed fabrics and quality fabrics. I got selected from my class to be put forward for the David Nieper Award, I have now won the Award and a £250 cash Prize and will be fast tracked to the final. 

Follow me to see what happens next or Check out the Website http://dnaf.wordpress.slightlydifferent.net/archives/83

Ashley J

fash@G Degree Catwalk Show

June the 2nd and 3rd saw the first ever Fashion Design (fash@G) Catwalk show from Grays School of Art, Aberdeen. Hosted at the Academy Shopping centre. It was two very successful nights, which showed the next up and coming Scottish talent. The first night was the VIP show, where Johnstones of Elgin, BP, International tartans and various other sponsors attended along with friends and family. 300 people were seated at each event and it was a full house each night.  

The Venue was Designed by one of the graduate student Ashliegh Brand, based around a quote from American Beauty:
"ITS HARD NOT TO BE MAD WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH FASHION IN THE WORLD." 

Ashliegh exhibited her garments around the venue, which was painted white with muslin covering all the windows and the floor covered in glitter. 

I was working Front of house taking guests to there seats, offering drinks. and when the show began i was a runner making sure all the collections were ready to go out and everything was running smoothly. 

Here are some back stages photos:

AMANDA MONTAGUE

SARA-LOUISE FULTON

EMILY BOGACZ

HEATHER GRANT

MAGDALENA ZAREBA

HAZEL LETHABY

LAWRENCE HO

SIAN PARKER

KIRSTEN MCDERMID

KAYLEIGH ARCHIBALD

At the End of the Show there was and Awards Ceremony

• David Nieper Award, Stage 3 Fashion, presented by Professor Paul Harris, Head Of Grays School Of Art. Won By: ASHLEY DUNCAN (me)
• CCS Award, Stage 4 Fashion, Presented by Christine Arnold-Solomon, CCS lecturer. Won By: JACQUELINE COOPER 
• International Tartans Award, Stage 3 Fashion, Presented by David McGill, Head Designer. Won By: MEGAN MCKINNON
• Fashion Student Ship Award, Presented by Kim Eason Head Of Fashion and Textiles. Won By: ASHLEY DUNCAN (me)
• Johnstons of Elgin Award, Stage 2 Fashion, Presented by James Dracup, M.D Johnstons of Elgin. Won By: DEBBIE MCLEOD 
• Fashion Student Achievement Award, Stage 4 Fashion, Presented by Gavin Gourlay, Manager of Visual Merchandising, PR and Marketing, John Lewis. Won By: SIAN PARKER

Overall both nights were a great success! Cant wait until next year when it's our Turn!! xx

Ashley J