Her shirt’s so special!

Jan 10 2008 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FASHION student Rebecca Howell has yet to graduate, but she’s already one of the creators behind an exclusive menswear range for retail giant Topman.

Rebecca, who is in her third year of a fashion degree at Huddersfield University, took part in a competition to design menswear garments for sale at Topman’s flagship Oxford Street store during London Fashion Week next month.

Her unique take on the classic white shirt will be part of the student-designed collection, to be launched on February 10. Until then her winning design, White Shirt Reconstructed, is strictly under wraps.

“It was quite a shock to win the competition,’’ said Rebecca, who is from Barnsley. “But I’m really excited about having my design on sale in Topman.’’

This year the Topman competition focused on the North and was spearheaded by former Huddersfield student and member of the Topman design team Marcus Rigg. Huddersfield students were asked to work on shirt designs.

Rebecca chose a classic garment for her designs. She said: “I wanted to re-create the classic white shirt and turn it into something really new and fresh. So I took the shirt apart, reworked it and came up with my designs.’’ She describes her work as formal but unusual.

John Mooney, from Topman Design, commented: “We are all very appreciative of the quality and standard of the work that was presented to us from Huddersfield, and amazed at the diversity the students provided.’’