A DESIGNER who has worked for Gucci and Prada has won a top industry prize.
Joanne Charlesworth, from Shelley, was named Young Textile Designer of the Year by the Worshipful Company of Weavers for her work with Kirkheaton-based Huddersfield Fine Worsteds.
She applied for the prize and was chosen from hundreds of entries to attend an interview day with some of the industry's leading designers.
The 28-year-old said: "I had to sit in front of a panel of nine people. It sounds quite daunting, but it was actually quite relaxed.
"I took a portfolio of work which included some of the things we have done for Gucci and Prada.
"The panel seemed quite impressed, but I still wasn't convinced how the whole interview had gone."
Joanne joined the company as a 17-year-old and has worked her way up, winning awards on the way and studying for a degree, which she gained in 2002.
She added: "It is the creative element that I love the most about my job.
"I really like the colours and materials I get to work with and because we are using top-class materials I also work with some excellent designers."
"My friends say it must be great to go to work and know you are going to have a good day."
Joanne has also designed special suits for pop singer Gareth Gates and DJ Carl Cox.
She will be presented with her award and £1,000 at a ceremony in London in February.
