College Celebrates Great Yorkshire Fashion
Sadly torrential rain and impossible mud stopped the Great Yorkshire Show in its tracks after just one day this year, to the dismay of exhibitors, traders and visitors. However, one day was enough to demonstrate to enthusiastic audiences in the Fashion Pavilion that our students could design garments fit for a queen!
First year BA (Hons) Fashion Design students created a special collection to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee especially for the Great Yorkshire Show. This drew inspiration from the Bradford Textile Archive and used worsted and woollen fabrics donated by the Clissold Group and ceremonial braids donated by Wyedean Weaving Company Ltd. The entire collection, entitled Elizabeth’s Parade, featured in the recent Bradford School of Arts & Media Fashion Show and then seven garments were selected to go down the catwalk in the Fashion Pavilion.
This was a thrilling opportunity for students Amal Hassan Ahmed, Chloe Chan, Phonphimon Chiophrom, Claire Delahaye, Kyonie Howard, Sanya Mir and Suzana Salihu to have their work seen alongside designs from established names including Gineta, Hobbs, The Left Bank, Brook Taverner and Kelly Ewing. 
The effect was suitably happy and glorious as the models waved Union Jacks to the rousing strains of Handel. Audiences loved the garments and there were many comments that the garments were very wearable as well as stunningly stylish. An additional feature of this show was that the College collection shared a scene with a jubilee gown by designer Kelly Ewing. Since Kelly has created dresses for X Factor appearances by Amelia Lily and Little Mix, this was aspirational company for our students to be keeping.
Student Claire Delahaye was excited to see her own creation on the GYS catwalk. She said, “I have visited the Great Yorkshire Show before and loved the fashion show but I never thought I would have something in it! I was really proud. To see something up there that you have done; from design to pattern making to finished garment, is an amazing feeling. The brief was very specific regarding the tailored dress and peplum and then allowed expression in terms of decoration. I made the gold braiding from scratch using a bag of thread from Wyverns that I sewed on to ribbon and then made long tassels. As a mature or in fashion terms ‘vintage’, student and one that is studying part-time I never expected my garment to be chosen. This is a boost to my confidence.”
Bradford College students also created gorgeous hair and make up for all the models from Morton Gledhill – The Fashion Team, which was also greatly admired. We are very grateful to our sponsors the Clissold Group and Wyedean Weaving for their generous sponsorship.