Manchester Metropolitan University-alumna receives Young Designer of the Year Award

In addition offering established brands and designers a spotlight, The Clothes Show also provides a platform for upcoming designers with it´s annual Young Designer of the Year competition. This year´s award was given to Rebecca Carrington for her Japanese-inspired outfit.

Carrington, who graduated from the BA Fashion Design at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) this year, found inspiration for her design following a visit to Tokyo a few years ago. “I was in awe of the way Japanese girls and women dressed to be cute,” said Carrington. “In Britain, we often opt for clothes that are more sophisticated as we grow up but that was not the case in Japan so I felt inspired.”

Being named the winner of this year´s Young Designer Award came as a surprise to Carrington. “I never thought I would have won. Most of all I am grateful that my design was recognised and supported by people in the fashion industry and it was really exciting for me to see my work on the catwalk again.” The MMU-alumna´s winning design consisted of a bright pink dress with a wide, layered skirt which featured orange and red details (second left on the photo). In addition to being awarded the trophy, Carrington won 1.000 pounds (1.084 dollar) prize money, a camera and the chance to have her outfit featured in the Bright Young Things Campaign 2016. Her school will also receive 500 pounds (542 dollar).

The year 2015 is a memorable one for the young designer. In addition to winning this prize at The Clothes Show, she also won 5.000 pounds (5.418 dollar) at the Phoenix Cup Fashion Competition which was held in China this November. “We are all absolutely delighted for Rebecca on her awards this year - both are highly acclaimed and internationally recognised and a testament to Rebecca´s hard work,” said Joe McCullagh, who is the Head of Design and Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching at MMU´s Art School.