A FORMER Suffolk schoolgirl is hoping to redress a few commonly-held conceptions with her stylish sportswear designs.

Rosi Shuster, originally from Woodbridge, is currently combining fashion with function as a performance sportswear design student at Falmouth University.

As part of her studies, the former Farlingaye High and Suffolk New College student has to consider fashion techniques, research new fabrics, and design and make clothing for all kinds of sports – from surfing to running and skiing.

Miss Shuster said the objective is to strike a balance between style and substance. “The general idea behind ‘sportswear’ fashion is that it functions for the job it was designed for and works aesthetically.

“It’s all about breaking down the stereotypes of what you are expected to wear for sport. Sportswear is about making the impossible possible and the fashion functional.”

She now hopes to put her own stamp on the industry with prototypes including a lightweight running jacket and a running poncho with reflective belt – neither of which would look out of place on the catwalk or the treadmill.

“Sportswear design is everywhere,” she said. “From the tracksuit bottoms you wear on Sunday afternoons to having a huge part within industries like tourism.

“More companies are looking to go economically friendly with fabrics and production, after huge pressures put on the industry, which has pushed innovative design, construction techniques and many new fabrics.”