Colchester fashion students showcase their designs on the catwalk

BA Fashion and Textiles students from Colchester Institute exhibit their work at a fashion show at Firstsite, Colchester Georgia manders, Beth caney Megan caney lily corrigan with Bohemian journey collection

The Colchester Institute fashion and textile students from across all three years of the degree course exhibited their work at the glitzy show.

First year students had created garments based on the architecture of the gallery itself, with second years’ focusing on diversity and flattering outfits for the over-50s in their Silver Fox theme.

Final year students exhibited their collections, with pieces project managed from concept right through to production.

Val Jacobs, course leader, said: “This show was an exciting opportunity for students to come together and celebrate their achievements throughout the year.

“This was the first time, for some students, to have the opportunity to style their models and show to a wider audience, including industry contacts and alumni student mentors.”

Ellie Dolan-Roberts, a third year student added: “It’s been a really exciting and valuable experience, where the practical work experience we have learned has opened us up to what it’s like to work in fashion in the real world.”

Commenting on the partnership with the college and the fashion theme for the first year students Anthony Roberts, interim managing director at Firstsite, said: “We are delighted Colchester Institute chose to have their fashion show at Firstsite. It’s a beautiful space which complemented the students’ amazing designs.

“I particularly enjoyed seeing the work of the first year students who used the Firstsite building as their inspiration.”