A FASHION designer who graduated from Huddersfield University has a high-profile celebrity client.
When TV presenter Gabby Logan formally takes up her post as Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University this summer, she will be wearing a gown with strong Yorkshire roots.
And the task of creating the academic gown has fallen to 23-year-old Kate Duckworth, who impressed with her work as a student at the Queensgate campus.
Several firms across the region have worked to provide material for the stunning gown which will be unveiled at the formal installation ceremony on June 6.
The gown is being made from fine 100% wool worsted Barathea fabric from Pudsey-based textile firm Hainsworth.
It is being lined with silk from Leeds silk specialist James Hare while military tailor Samuel Brothers, also of Leeds, is working on the final cut and finish.
Kate was given the commission to create the new gown for Gabby after showcasing her work at last year’s Yorkshire Wool Week.
Kate was one of six Huddersfield University students taking part in the Yorkshire Wool Week, for which she created a red sculptured skirt and leather military jacket with oversized white cuffs.
Susan Gaunt, of the Sunny Bank Mills Archive, based at Farsley, near Leeds, supplied a cameo of archive cloth for the gown symbolic of Leeds Trinity University’s history while Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills supplied Kate with a workspace to make the gown.
The project was co-ordinated by Leeds Fashion Works.
Kate, who now lives at Pudsey, said: “I’m really pleased to be making something truly ‘Yorkshire’. I love working with Yorkshire textiles.
“A lot of young designers are drawn to more modern fabrics, but I have always wanted to incorporate Hainsworth fabric into my graduate collection.
“I am drawn to the wonderful feel, drape and texture.
“The gown is a stunning scarlet colour and I’ve given it a modern feel with soft draping details.
“As soon as I knew it was for Gabby Logan I adapted the design to make it more feminine and elegant.”
Tom Hainsworth, managing director of Hainsworth, said: “It’s an exciting time for us and we enjoy working with new designers.
“There is a genuine recognition of the strong heritage and quality of British fabric along with an interest in its history.
‘Military styled fabrics come into vogue on a regular basis for both men and women and designers like the fact our fabrics have been used to clothe the actual British military for years.”
Prof Margaret House, vice-chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, said: “Gabby’s installation ceremony is the perfect occasion to celebrate the strong heritage of Leeds that Gabby and the university are proud to be a part of.
“We are pleased to demonstrate this with the commission of her gown, and by providing the amazing opportunity for a talented young graduate like Kate.”
