Video by Mark Gibson

Prendergast Hilly Fields student Katerina Drury, 18, was awarded the top accolade at the 2009 FAD Junior Awards, held at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on Tuesday 22nd September.

“Now I’ve got over the shock, it’s really exciting. Being part of this means everything for my career because it will enhance my chances of being able to go to university. It’s an amazing opportunity." - Katerina Drury, Winner of the 2009 FAD Junior Awards

2009 FAD Junior Awards winner, Katerina Drury & her design

From left: Katerina Drury, Martyn Roberts (VFS), Aysha Simpson & Joanne Matthews (FAD)

Pairing an ‘edgy’ cutwork, metallic leather skirt with shimmery grey bodysuit, Katerina dazzled press and industry guests with her futuristic interpretation of the Arts & Crafts theme. The stunned and delighted winner was welcomed on stage by Martyn Roberts, Director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, who presented her with the coveted top prize – a two week placement with Editor in Chief of Volt Magazine, Rui Faria.

"This project has definitely opened my eyes. I’ve always loved doing extra things, but this has been the best thing I’ve ever done out of school, even in school. It’s really given me confidence in everything I do. I’ve met so many people and made so many amazing contacts.“ – Katerina Drury, winner of the 2009 FAD Junior Awards

Lily Harriman, Award for Pattern Cutting

Miriam Mwangi, Award for Creativity;Egle Zepkinaite, Award for Research; Egle & her model

Three runner-up awards were also announced – for Creativity, Miriam Mwangi, 19, from NewVic 6th Form College (Newham); for Research, Egle Zepkinaite, 17, from City & Islington College (Islington); and for Pattern Cutting, Lily Harriman, 17, from Camden School for Girls (Camden). In addition, a special mention was given to Salford finalist Elizabeth Prince, 17, (Pendleton College) in recognition of her accomplished fashion illustrations.

“The best thing about the night was talking to various people in the fashion business and listening to their comments and advice. The show was absolutely fantastic, my family loved it. Winning an award was such a bonus!” – Egle Zepkinaite, FAD Award for Research

Elizabeth Prince's Illustration; Elizabeth Prince, Pendlton College;Aminata Kulufua, BSix College

Joel Boyd, Lewisham College;Joel & his model;Prash Muraleetharan, St Angela's & St Bonaventure's

The theme of the eclectic collection was ‘Arts & Crafts’ for a modern age. Citing musical muses such as Michael Jackson, Santigold, Pharrell Williams and Lady GaGa, the young designer’s outfits paired traditional influences from the V&A with their own unique commentary.

On the night three finalists – Joel Boyd (Lewisham College), Prash Muraleetharan (St Angela’s & St Bonaventure’s) and Aminata Kulufua (BSix College) - were also offered industry placements by Naomi Dominique, Design Director at River Island. This is the second year that River Island have supported the project in this way. In 2008 finalist Nadine Peters kept a diary about her experience working for the high street retailer, for FAD Stories.

“The show was great, so much talent in our schools! I believe they are talented, enthusiastic designers and I look forward to working with them, and helping to develop their skills” Naomi Dominique, Design Director at River Island

Lee-Anne Willoughby, St Francis Xavier 6th Form;Luke Harris, Crossways Academy;Nina Ehni, Pimlico Academy

Thoffa Khanom, Newham College;Kathleen Taafe, Pendleton College;Jacqueline Boakye, St Francis Xavier 6th Form

Models at FAD Junior Awards;Prash Muraleetharan & his model

Now in it's fifth year the project is heavily supported by industry, and on the evening there was a packed house at the Freemason’s Hall with guests from Harrods, ASOS.com, River Island, John Lewis and Grazia taking front row seats. Excited family, friends and teachers were also there to support the young designer’s debut at London Fashion Week.

Last year’s joint winner, Aysha Simpson, 18, returned to the stage to co-host the 2009 event. Now studying for a foundation at London College of Fashion, she spoke about her own personal experience of the project:

"Having taken part in Fashion Futures 2 last year I gained an awareness and confidence about my abilities both in terms of fashion design and construction as well as on a personal level, having been put in unfamiliar settings and working with new people. Also through the experiences F.A.D provided and the people I have met and continue to meet I have found that the big dreams of becoming a part of the fashion industry are in fact in the reach of everyday young people like myself.” – Aysha Simpson, 18, Joint winner of the 2008 FAD Junior Awards

2008 Winner Aysha Simpson & Joanne Matthews;Egle Zepkinaite being interviewed

Sara Sodnomjamts, Hampstead School; Kathleen Taafe, Pendleton College; Jenny Lam, Lewisham College

Miriam Mwangi, Award for Creativity; FAD Junior Awards Reception & Exhibition

In addition to Tuesday’s event, the 20 London finalists were given the opportunity to showcase their collection again – this time to thousands of people – when they took part in a catwalk show in Trafalgar Square in aid of London Peace Week.

Photography credits: Ian Gillet, Olga Glazik & Henry Mulhall