Kayley Wins Young Fashion Designer Competition 2012
Kayley Rainton, a Lower Sixth student at Burgess Hill School for Girls has won the national Young Fashion Designer Competition 2012.
Kayley, 17, won first place in the AS Level category out of over 150 entries for her French inspired outfit. Three GCSE students from Burgess Hill School were also Very Highly Commended for their Textiles work: Ishbel Amyatt-Leir, Shannon Gunawardana and Ariel Zhao.
The Competition was held at Kent College, Pembury and the guest speaker at the awards ceremony was Dr Julia Gaimster, Head of e-learning at London College of fashion.
The entries were judged by a preliminary judging team who narrowed down the competitors to six in each category. At the event students are invited to set up a stand showing evidence of their progress through the design process, from initial conception to the completed garment. Points are awarded for various aspects of designing, making and the student’s understanding of their market, including production and sales potential.
Kayley’s winning outfit was inspired by a trip to the Palace of Versailles and was created for a female host at a prestigious event in France to celebrate the 220 years of French Liberty. The outfit comprises of knee length breeches with contrasting piping in the seam, a fitted jacket with lace overlaid at the sides and a gathered bustle. The intricate patterns of the lace were machine embroidered onto the back of the jacket and beaded, creating stunning detail.
In June, Kayley won the overall Silver Award and the First Prize in the Textiles category in the Young Craftsman Competition 2012 held at the South of England Show in Ardingly.