Fashion students to take part in the first East Midlands fashion awards at Belvoir Castle

Five fashion students will represent the University of Northampton in the very first FASHANNE Awards, which take place at the magnificent Belvoir Castle on Thursday 23 June.

Brooke Ferrison, Dakota Wrist, Jessica Jeffs, Jordan Shields and Tiffany Ruff will join selected students from six universities across the East Midlands to take part in in a two-day exhibition, judged by a panel of fashion, film and TV royalty and culminating with a gala awards evening.

The FASHANNE Awards have been organised by TV presenter, Anne Davis and the Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners and was inspired by New York’s famous Met Ball. Brooke, Dakota, Jessica and Jordan have all been shortlisted for the Fashion/Knitwear Design Award and Tiffany is in the running for the Textile/Fashion Accessory Design Award.

Brooke’s collection was inspired by body art and tattooing. She said: “The idea that tattoos were a form of wearable art really interested me and I wanted this to be the basis of my collection. I have primarily used silk and suede, my collection has a high-end feel towards it yet still being commercial.”

Dakota’s pieces are based upon the entrapment of the butterfly encased by the cocoon. She commented: “This is referenced throughout my silhouettes; oversized laser cut felt, housing delicate printed silk under garments, with laser windows forming view finders to the contrasting linear textiles beneath.”

Jessica took inspiration from sculptural art such as Barbara Hepworth’s innovative work. She said: “I have drawn influence from the fluid composition and form Hepworth creates within her pieces, while combining this with Inuit Civilization to create a vivid contrast as well as great texture and depth to my collection.”

Jordan was inspired by the tradition and costume, as well as political controversy surrounding Spanish bullfighting. He said: “My colour scheme runs from clean white to all red, telling the story of the bull’s death. The story is also told throughout the shapes in the collection, moving from stronger ridged shapes, representing the strength of the bull, through to more fluid shapes to signify it’s weakening.”

Tiffany’s initial ideas were bought together with the clash of club kid culture and baroque cathedral architecture. She said: “My Club Baroque shoes and bags were designed for young creative individuals, who love the eccentric and don’t want what is readily available out on the high street.”

Julie King, Head of Fashion at the University of Northampton, commented: “It is such an honour for our students to have been recognised as the best in the East Midlands at such a prestigious event and we are very much looking forward to celebrating with them next Thursday.”