Two fashion design students from the City Of Liverpool College saw their sustainable designs showcased on the catwalk at London Fashion Week thanks to Merseyside firm Wild Thang. Tony McDonough reports

Two fashion students at City Of Liverpool College saw their designs showcased at one of the world’s biggest fashion events thanks to Merseyside brand marketing firm Wild Thang.

London Fashion Week attracts the biggest fashion names on the planet and it has given 16-year-old Anna Gerrard-Longworth and Freya Duncan, 17, one of the most exhilarating experiences of their young lives.

Anna was the winner, and Freya the runner-up, in a sustainable fashion competition organised by Merseyside brand marketing specialist Wild Thang and the City Of Liverpool College, supported by catwalk show organiser Fashions Finest.

10 students submitted their designs and Wild Thang founder Andrew Dwerryhouse, along with ESG manager Carrie Dwerryhouse and college staff, picked the winning designs. Other local businesses, including Abakhan Fabrics, also supported the initiative.

It all came to a head at London Fashion Week when Anna and Freya saw their designs on the catwalk at Fashions Finest show on St Johns Church, Hyde Park. Andrew described the show as “breathtaking finale” to the contest.

He added: “There were 10 amazing talented student designers shortlisted to participate, they were given the brief to create a sustainable fashion design from concept to completion in just two weeks.

“We were blown away by the creative designs. This was particularly the case for the winning design by Anna, a 16-year-old with an ingenious flair for transforming repurposed and upcycled denim into a spectacular outfit.

“Her creativity and skill in design not only stood out but also highlighted the importance of sustainable fashion practices. Freya also impressed us with her unique concept inspired by a 1960s lampshade, transforming an old upholstery fabric into a reinvented fabric dress.

“Our partnership, which involved student-led clothing design competition, has been a testament to our commitment to nurturing emerging talent, supporting diversity, inclusivity, and highlighting our dedication to sustainability.”

Wild Thang has stepped up its own sustainability efforts over the past year. The business is working towards an eight stage sustainability pledge and its commitment was underscored by a huge solar panel installation at its production headquarters.

At the fashion show in London Wild Thang provided VIP sustainable goodie bags. They featured products that not only “delight and surprise” attendees but also align with its ethos of environmental responsibility.

Andrew added: “Special mention must go to Deborah St Louis at Fashions Finest. It was wonderful to partner with both her and Fashions Finest who embraced our collaboration and who every year organise this wonderful event as part of London Fashion Week.”

Carrie Dwerryhouse also said: “Special mention to the fantastic team at the college for making it happen.

“While we were already aware of the wonderful work the college does for its students across the Liverpool city region and given the very short timescale the college was outstanding.”

And City of Liverpool College’s director of faculty, culture and visitor economy, also said: “City of Liverpool College would like to personally thank Wild Thang for providing such a wonderful opportunity for our fashion students.

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“And for supporting the college’s strategic commitment to achieve and progress with the skills and expertise they need for that crucial career next step.

“We are very proud of our students Anna and Freya and the development of their confidence, technical and communication skills in showcasing their work on the London Fashion Week Stage in Hyde Park.

“Having this opportunity has raised the aspirations of the student cohort, their own career goals and what they can achieve in the future.”

College lecturer Melissa McQuhae added: “Working alongside Wild Thang was an amazing  opportunity for our students to embrace the challenge of creating a garment that not only captivated the audience but also championed sustainability in the fashion industry.

“The City of Liverpool College is very proud of our incredibly talented fashion students; 16-year-old winner Anna Gerrard-Longworth and runner up Freya Duncan who is also just 17.

“Having their designs featured as the finale on the Fashions Finest runway during London Fashion Week is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement and a testament to their skills and hard work. Thank you to all that were involved in making this collaboration a success.”