Fashion summer school PR

Date published: 11 July 2011

Bury College student achieves place at exclusive fashion summer school.

Bury College AS Level student, Gemma Halliwell has succeeded in gaining a place at an exclusive summer school that is part of a unique social project organised by creative charity FAD.

Gemma competed amongst forty teenagers from the Greater Manchester boroughs of Bury, Salford and Tameside to achieve her place at the summer school. She was chosen for her impressive presentation based on the skills she had learnt at an intensive fashion workshop at the University of Salford.

The former pupil of Little Lever School attended the fashion summer school at the University of East London, where she had the opportunity to work on a design that will be displayed at London Fashion Week and the 2011 FAD Junior Awards. Supported by fashion professionals and tutors, Gemma had just five days to create her design that was inspired by the new ceramics, jewellery and contemporary glass galleries at the V&A museum.

Gemma, who is studying AS Level Textiles, French, English Language and Business Studies at Bury College said, “The summer school and fashion workshops were a great experience. I gained new skills, which helped me design my dress and also used the sewing skills I learnt at Bury College to create my design. The experience has improved my confidence, both in my work and in presenting ideas. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to gain an insight into the fashion industry and I’m looking forward to attending London Fashion Week in September when I’ll get to see my design on the catwalk!”

The FAD summer school is heavily supported by the fashion industry and press who support the aspiring young designers as they compete for a top industry placement. During London Fashion week Gemma will have the opportunity to speak to professionals in the industry for advice and information about the fashion industry.

On completion of her course at Bury College, Gemma aims to pursue a career in the fashion business.