Fashion student Kay Wilcox has reached the final of a national competition with her innovative womenswear designs which will be showcased at next week’s London Fashion Week. HILARIE STELFOX went along to meet the University of Huddersfield undergraduate.

ON THE FACE of it, photographs of Manchester City Art Gallery and a sheet of aluminium plate don’t appear to have much in common – or much to do with fashion.

But for young designer Kay Wilcox they were the inspiration for a dress she hopes will win a major industry award.

Kay’s design – one of two created by the 21-year-old Huddersfield University student for the annual Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) competition – will now be seen during London Fashion Week at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Chosen to represent her university, Kay’s designs were among hundreds submitted by student designers from colleges and universities all over the UK.

She is one of just 15 students whose work has been selected for the final, where a jury panel of industry experts will choose three winners.

First prize will be £2,000 and a work placement with a top design company.

Last year’s winner won six months with Vivienne Westwood. Two runners up will receive £1,000 and a work placement.

As Kay has yet to find a work placement for her third year, which has to be spent in industry, she’s keeping her fingers crossed.

“It’s very exciting,” she said. “Even just to go to London Fashion Week.