What are you doing now Tom?

"I recently launched my self-titled label TOMAS VLACHIOTIES, and haven’t looked back. It is still just a baby but everyday I am inspired and driven to turn it into something great. The primary focus is an elegant ready to wear line focused on loving the LBD (Little Black Dress) and a high end bespoke bridal range".

Tom's own label collection

Which FAD Competition were you involved in and how did it benefit you?

"I took part in the 2003 FAD competition which took place at the V&A Museum in London. The theme for that year was based around past and future historic fashion and my pieces were a fusion of Venice’s Carnivalè and Japanese culture, “A Milanese summer.”

Although I didn’t win, the FAD organisation was kind enough to offer me one of the placement positions. It was with the Royal Opera House in the costume department and though not an area I had ever seen myself working in, I accepted it and it turned out to be great fun and a fantastic experience. I actually got to work on Darcy Bussel’s costume for Cinderella."

Tom's final design for 2003 FAD Competition; Tom giving a talk to Fashion Futures 2 students in Hackney

What skills did you learn from taking part in an FAD competition?

"Taking part in the FAD competition was great for me as I was able to use the work involved as inspiration for my final degree collection. It gave me a taste of how exciting it is to be part of a fashion show production, which made me much more determined to succeed.

It was also the first time I’d really got my teeth into a sketchbook, maybe the brief spoke to me more than others. I also learnt to be humble in defeat and that I can always work harder."

Tom judging finalist's work for the 4th FAD Junior Awards

What do you think of FAD now?

"I think the FAD is a fine organisation that does invaluable work, and I have maintained a close relationship with them since competing, including having the opportunity to be a judge on two or three separate occasions.

More recently I was asked to help with the Fashion Futures 2 program which is aimed at giving young people a realistic view into the world of fashion. It was a lot of fun working with these kids and a pleasure to see how passionate they all were about the work. Thanks to FAD they have an avenue to express that passion in a really productive way and I’m proud to have played my little part in that."

Future ambitions?

"My future is to see my label grow and develop into a luxury brand, unfazed by throwaway fashion and secure in its place as elegant and timeless styling, which women of twenty five to seventy five would feel confident wearing."

Since participating in the 2003 FAD Competition, Tom has established a successful career as a fashion designer, working with labels such as All Saints, Consortium and bespoke designer Neil Cunningham.

To read more about Tom and his fashion label, please visit his website www.vlachioties.com