A Merseyside-born international fashion consultant, designer and showbiz stylist, is returning to his roots and is bringing the catwalk to the classroom with an exciting new venture.

Rare School of Fashion, launching in September 2015 in Liverpool City Centre, announces recently appointed Vice President of Fabletics (co-founded by actress Kate Hudson), Shaun Kearney, as its co-founder and patron of the unique school’s vocationally-focussed syllabus.

The school located on Liverpool’s Duke Street, seeks to recruit 15 exceptional students with an eye for fashion, design or merchandising to unlock their potential and gain a BTEC Level 3 in Fashion and Design.

With a strong emphasis on business and online fashion retailing, Rare School of Fashion is the first of its kind outside London and seeks to provide opportunities for the North and indeed further afield.

Shaun, who was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2011, will offer his industry expertise, experience and passion to empower young people (aged 16 and above) with the skills to step into the world of fashion.

Recognised as a heavyweight in the world of fashion, Shaun has dressed celebrities such as; Jennifer Anniston, Angelina Jolie and Janet Jackson, and is a fashion favourite of pop superstar, Taylor Swift.

Shaun Kearney, vice president of design and fashion director of Fabletics, said:

“It is a huge honour and privilege to be able to bring my global fashion industry experience back to the city that groomed me for success.

“Liverpool holds a very special place in my heart and the talent in this city is endless. I am very much looking forward to nurturing and educating some of the greatest designers of our future.”

The Rare School of Fashion follows the successes of Rare Studio Liverpool, an academy of excellence set up to reignite Liverpool’s performing arts scene.

Since its inception, Rare Studio Liverpool has seen its graduates perform on the X Factor, support international artists on tour and gain acceptance to leading performing arts institutions, RADA, Urdang, LIPA, Bristol Old Vic and Broadway Dance Centre in New York City.

Michelle Faulker, director and principal of Rare School of Fashion and Rare Studio Liverpool said:

“We are honoured to be teaming up with one of the world’s most respected designers to give Liverpool a new centre of excellence in fashion and design.

“The Rare School of Fashion will be rooted deeply in values just like our school of performing arts and will focus on giving those students who are talented, but may be experiencing difficulty, the chance to realise their dreams by giving them the best possible start to their career.

“My business partner, Lindsay Inglesby, and I are extremely excited for our new endeavour and we look forward to meeting our applicants.”

Rare School of Fashion will be hosting interviews for its first cohort of students across July. Requirements for admission are: a minimum of 5 GCSEs (grade C or above in Maths and English), a portfolio of design (fashion designs not essential) and an ambition for the fashion industry.

Young people wishing to discover more are encouraged to enquire online and apply via email: enquiries@rarestudioliverpool.co.uk.