Since taking part in the 2009 FAD Competition, talented knitwear designer Beatrice Newman has won prizes and scholarships, dressed pop stars such as Shingai Showiwa of 'The Noisettes’ and seen her work feature in numerous magazines. All at the tender age of 22.

We talk to the former FAD Competition finalist about life as a designer and why she volunteers for FAD.

Beatrice and her graduate collection on ArtsThread

Q: Beatrice, briefly tell us what you are doing now / have done since the competition.

"After taking part in FAD, I was in other competitions including a 'Hand and Lock' embroidery competition, which I actually won. I also applied for and won a scholarship from the Framework Knitters Guild for my ideas and vision for the future of knitwear.

Currently I’ve been commissioned to design outfits for a new website called Not Just a Label, which sells one-off, unique items by up and coming designers. I’m really enjoying it and gaining a lot of experience. I’ve also been looking into undertaking an MA."

Q: What is important to you as a designer? Describe the style of your work.

"As a designer, perfection is very important to me. Perfection - not in the sense of a general perfection; but perfection as it is meant by the customer or expected to be. In this way each outfit is unique, which is also an important aspect of my designs. Part of my style is to make sure my designs are exotic yet unique.

Elegance and luxury are also important aspects of my designs. I am the type that goes that extra mile to make my designs not only look elegant to the eyes but also luxurious on the skin. Lastly, as every other designer, I try to create beauty with the customer and outfit."

Beatrice's graduate collection

Q: How did taking part in the FAD Competition help you, both professionally and personally?

"Taking part in the FAD competition helped me to understand the importance of business structure and planning. It also opened my eyes to designing for a specific target audience to cater for their needs. It showed me that, from the most extreme and avant-garde, I could still produce beautiful and inspiring wearable clothes."

Q: What made you want to enter the FAD Competition? How did it differ from other competitions on offer?

"I saw it as another chance to challenge myself; it was different from other competitions because it actually supports you in the business process, financial process and in the design process. It gave me a whole new exposure to some of the realities of fashion."

Beatrice designs in the 2010 FAD Competition

Q: How have you worked with FAD since taking part in the Competition? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

"I worked with FAD on a summer project for 15 year-olds in Lewisham, assisting teenagers who have an interest in fashion in how to design and use their ideas effectively. I also took part in a FAD careers workshop where I presented some of my work to a group of college students to help them understand more about fashion as a course and a career.

I enjoy volunteering for the love of doing what I enjoy doing (fashion). Also, helping others do their best allows me to work with and understand young people with different abilities, from different cultures and backgrounds."

Volunteering in FAD's Fashion Futures workshops

Q: What do you think of charities like FAD – in your opinion is there a need to support young people in this way?

"I think there is a need in many and various ways. FAD is providing for youth a very important experience in their fashion life. I learnt important lessons through FAD’s competition and I believe a lot more people are learning and benefiting from what FAD has to offer. There is always a need for FAD’s support."

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to FAD's Competition finalists what would it be?

"No matter how hard the road seems, continue to follow your dreams. There will always be something in your way; the more you conquer, the more you accomplish."

Q: Finally – what’s next for you?

"To explore, exploit and expand my boundaries…"

More about Beatrice...

You can now buy some of Beatrice’s beautiful, on-off pieces online at www.notjustalabel.com
FTape: Roar Talent
Dazed Digital.com
Arts Thread
Artsthread

In October 2009 FAD Junior Awards winner, Katerina Drury, 18, was named one of six inspirational teenagers in a special issue of The Independent Magazine. We caught up with the budding photographer to talk about her FAD experience and how its shaped her aspirations for the future.

'Independent woman'...Kat named inspirational teenager in special issue of the magazine

Q: Kat, what was it like winning the FAD Junior Awards?

“When I heard them call out my name, I was shocked. Once I got over that I just felt really excited. The whole experience has definitely made me a lot more confident in everything that I’m doing. The big thing about winning for me, is its made people realise – especially those who may have had their doubts about me. I feel I’ve proved that I can do something. “

Q: Looking back, tell us a little bit about the FAD Junior Awards – what was the atmosphere like?

“The atmosphere was amazing – it looked so good. The music was great and having all the cameras at the end was brilliant for me. Most of us were sitting together so we were cheering for each other. There were a lot of good friendships made between the finalists, and we will definitely keep in contact.”

From the classroom to the catwalk...Kat collects her award from Director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Martyn Roberts

On location with the team from Volt - Kat records the experience in pictures

Q: Kat, as your prize for winning the 2009 Junior Awards you worked on a photo shoot with Volt Magazine. How was that?

“I was really nervous, I wasn’t sure what to expect but the shoot was really good. It was amazing being able to watch it all come together – from make-up and hair to seeing how they style everything. There were some amazing clothes, including Alexander McQueen’s Swarovski crystal dress, which was mesmerizing to see close up.

On the day I got a real feel for how a fashion shoot works - the time it takes in getting models ready and setting up all the lighting. Rui Faria is an amazing photographer - the photos he took were stunning.”

Q: How has Fashion Futures 2 benefited you?

“It’s opened my eyes. I’ve always loved doing extra things outside school, but this the best thing I have ever done, out of school, even in school. I’ve learnt a lot about the industry – all the different careers, everything. I’ve met so many people and made so many contacts.

Being part of FAD means everything for my career because it will enhance my chances of being able to go to university. It’s really been an amazing opportunity."

Giving back...Kat takes photos of student's work in the 2010 Fashion Futures workshops

Q: Over the past three months you have been volunteering with FAD. Tell us what you have been up to and why you chose to volunteer?

“While volunteering I have been taking lots and lots of pictures in workshops, which I love, and also had the chance to be an official photographer at the 2010 FAD Competition. I’ve met and worked with lots of exciting people and been able to hopefully give back to FAD, who have done so much for me.

I chose to volunteer because I’ve always enjoyed doing extra things, and want to further my portfolio of work and keep a strong connection with FAD. They are a great organisation and do so much for so many people. I feel volunteering is the least I can do.”

Kat captures the atmosphere backstage at the FAD Competition

Q: What’s next for you Kat?

“At the moment I’m choosing which foundation course to do – either London College of Communication or Ravensbourne as I’ve been accepted to both. After that I hope to do a degree, alongside more work experience and assisting.

I'd also love to travel round the world, photographing and exploring. I just want to get as much experience as possible and learn new things. One of my dreams is to work for a year as a photographer’s assistant somewhere like New York.”

More on Kat...

Read the Independent Magazine article featuring Kat.

See the new issue of Volt Magazine out now, featuring the shoot Kat worked on.

See Kat's photos from the 2010 Fashion Futures 2 workshops in 'FF2 in Action'.

Nadine, 19, is currently at Ravensbourne University doing a Foundation Degree in Fashion, Production & Innovation.

She was a finalist of the 2008 FAD Junior Awards. As a result of showcasing her design on the catwalk at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, she was offered a two week work placement with the womenswear design team at River Island.

Here she tells us all about her experience, and what it is really like to work for one of the UK's top high street retailers.

Nadine busy customising a t-shirt for River Island

“I arrived at the River Island design headquarters ready for the experience of a lifetime. On my first day I was given a complete tour of the building from the design studios, press and development rooms to the buying floor, fabric store and merchandising rooms.

In the womenswear section, I met my mentors, Rebecca and Anoi, and the rest of the design team. I began by helping designer, Anna-Marie, to create a mood board of all the outfit designs and inspiration for the new collection. Next, Anoi (Women’s Leather Wear Designer) set me a brief to design some leather jackets. I started by creating a mood board, grabbing inspiration from magazines, newspapers and fashion trend website, WGSN.com.

With the creative ideas on my board I started designing. I was given a leather sample book which I could cut out and use on my sketches. Also in the studio they have a whole wall of trims, from buttons, broaches, lace and feathers to chains to studs. It was crazy, as I was allowed to use anything I wanted for my designs."

Nadine's customised leather jacket

"Anoi then handed me a River Island leather jacket to customize. I have to admit I was really nervous, as it was already a beautiful jacket, but I was excited about bringing one of my ideas to life. On my mood board, I had used a combination of hard and soft images, including a Prada lace dress which gave me the idea to combine lace and leather together.

I was shown how to sand the leather to create a faded effect, and then I used an un-picker to scratch into the jacket. I wanted the leather to look like it has been worn through to reveal the lace underneath. To create the illusion of a faded leather, Anna-Marie suggested using bleach. I didn’t know you could use bleach on leather, but it turned out great. I spent three days working on my jacket, that’s one reason why I love using leather as you have to really work into it to mould it to your vision."

Close up of Nadine's customising skills

"I took a little break from designing to help sew garments that would be shown ‘in the looks’, which are days when River Island present their new collections to press. I was asked to create a style board of coats, something I never realised designers had to do. It helped me out a lot as I learnt the different names and shapes of coats.

Afterwards Rebecca and Alexia (the womenswear denim designer) asked me to customize a pair of jeans. I took hold of my trusty un-picker and started ripping the jeans, adding decorative studs and using bleach. For me customizing the jeans was hard; I felt I was just ripping and ripping and I wasn’t getting anything out of it but I think the end result was what I was aiming for - a Californian, beach rock, hip hop feel.

Next I customised a t-shirt. I started by adding lots of broaches and chains, but I was a bit stuck with the electric blue colour until Anna-Marie suggested it had an old English feel. She showed me one of the River Island mood boards, and we came up with the idea of having a Union Jack on the shirt, by cutting up strips of fabric. I ripped and tea bagged some white fabric to give it an old appearance and then played around with adding it to the t-shirt.

Nadine with her River Island design mentors, Rebecca and Anoi

"I really enjoyed creating this piece with Anna-Marie. I learnt sometimes you can have a creative block and you find yourself out of ideas. At River Island they play off each other ideas, like a ‘ping pong’ effect to create a collection or clothes which really demonstrates a great deal of team work.

Anna-Marie is the Assistance Designer in dresses and blouses. I asked her why she liked working at River Island: “I like the fast pace creative environment of River Island, everyone is young and friendly. I love creating the River Island girl”, which she says consists of flouriest pink, leopard print, dresses and those last minute party pieces.

I also learnt the designers at River Island go to ‘fits’, which is a day when models come in and try the clothes to check that the garments look good and that they drape in the right way. During my placement I also asked Albert, who works in pattern cutting, about his job. He said “I like the challenge of pattern cutting; I like to work on something you really have to think about.”

From left to right: Nadine with volunteer model at the 2008 FAD Junior Awards; Nadine's hand embroidered leather jacket; Nadine working hard at the FAD Summer School

"My last brief at River Island was to design an image for a t-shirt with an ‘indie street vibe’. I used Photoshop to create my designs, and came up with the slogan ‘Don’t read my newspaper’, based on people on the tube trying to read my newspaper over my shoulder. I ripped out images from the Metro Newspaper, scanning them into the computer, then distorting and layering them. I finished it off by using the River Island logo as a Newspaper headline.

I gained a lot of knowledge during my time at River Island, for example the importance of flat drawing, having a wider view on research and developing ideas, and the fact that every little bit counts to the overall finish of a garment. These are skills I will take away and continue to use in the future. The environment at River Island is really friendly, which makes it so much easier to produce designs and I have really learnt team work is key. When everyone is in the same frame of mind, working towards the same goal the outcome is amazing. This is something that College or University could never have shown me."

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

Daisy took part in FAD's Fashion Futures 2 course in 2007. She went on to study a BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion & Imaging degree at the University of Creative Arts in Epsom graduating in 2010.

What are you doing now Daisy?

"I am currently working at L'Oreal in the UK Head Office in the marketing department for L'Oreal Paris Skincare. It is an amazing company to work for and everyone is very passionate about what they do, making it a great environment to work in. Its extremely fast paced and exciting and there is always so much to get involved with - which I love!"

Daisy's editorial on Urban Skaters, part of her degree work

Which FAD project did you take part in and how did it benefit you?

"I was a finalist in the 2nd FAD Junior Awards; Fashion Futures 2 project in 2007

Taking part in the competition helped me far beyond what I expected. As soon as I finished the competition, FAD helped me get a placement at the Tesco Design studios where I was able to see them design their autumn/winter range.

Since then I have been invited on visits by FAD that benefited me with my work at University, for example, a visit to the Revlon and WGSN offices. This allowed me to get a deeper insight into how the industry worked and helped to keep me one step ahead.”

Daisy taking part in the 2006 FF2 project

What skills have you learnt from taking part in an FAD project?

“I have learnt so many things from taking part in FAD projects, and I am still learning. From making garments to advertising, I have learnt a range of skills including how to create a pattern by just draping fabric; organisational skills, by watching how much effort goes into FAD shows; teamwork skills from working so closely with the FAD team, and funnily enough, how to model well by taking part in their catwalk shows.”

Daisy volunteering as a model for the 3rd & 4th FAD Junior Awards

What do you think of FAD now?

“FAD has an amazing way of bringing out the best in youth and giving them the ambition and confidence to try to succeed in anything they do. Every year, the charity gets better and the talent improves and I am very proud to be able to say I have been a part of it all; even if it is just a small part.

As an FAD volunteer I have helped in Junior and Graduate shows, whether it be as a front of house host, part of the backstage team or model, and every time is worthwhile as I meet so many people from the industry and learn so much from everyone involved. I go back whenever my help is needed and I never hesitate because every opportunity with FAD is a good opportunity.”

Daisy's website www.your-shop.me

What are your highlights from the past year?

"My highlight would definitely have to be graduating from university as it makes you feel so proud that you made it through. Working on my Final Major Project was also a highlight because I learned so much!

Creating a concept from scratch teaches you a lot about time management, how to delegate roles and how to be confident enough to finalise decisions. I created a website that combines online shopping and social networking for style savvy shoppers around the world - www.your-shop.me."

Future ambitions?

“Studying on the marketing pathway at university and curently working in marketing, has helped me decide this is the career path I want to follow. It is a challenge and it is always exciting because trends are always changing. In the future, I hope to be a Marketing Manager/Director of a successful global company."

Read about Nosipho’s work placement at Tesco clothing here.

Nosipho Ndaba, 19, is originally from Durban, South Africa and now attends Burntwood School in Wandsworth. She was named as joint winner of the 3rd FAD Junior Awards and is looking forward to her prize – a work placement at the Tesco Clothing design studios where she will put her fashion design skills to the test, working alongside Tesco’s team of experienced fashion professionals.

Her outfit impressed the judges by combining distinctive originality with sporty simplicity and evoked Chinese blue-and-white porcelain in the striking choice of colours. It was Nosipho’s attention to all the angles of the brief – creativity, market awareness and cultural inspiration – that won the jury panel over as well as the fact that her final garment was extremely well made.

Her unique mini-dress was modelled on the catwalk by FF2 2006 finalist Daisy Boateng. Nosipho was over the moon to be named as a winner, and said: "I hope that FAD continues to motivate students and encourage them in pursuing their chosen careers, because that is what they have done for me. Thank you!!"

Read more about the 3rd FAD Junior Awards

Ilknur Kontashs, 18, is a student at the Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls in Hackney. During Stage 1 of FAD Fashion Futures 2, Ilknur created a beautifully sewn kimono top, but in Stage 2 she developed her design to correspond with the customer focus of FAD’s retail partner, Tesco Clothing.

The final outfit was comprised of up-to-the-minute jersey leggings paired with a long t-shirt, which featured Ilknur’s own bright red Olympic logo, applied as a heat transfer print. The finishing touch was an easy-to-wear cropped silk jacket with an ingenious twisted fastening.

Menswear Design Manager at Tesco, Andreas Stavrou, praised the quality of Ilknur’s research, and her market awareness, which translated into designs which he said many of Tesco Clothing’s customers would love to buy and wear. Ilknur herself says "This project has been challenging but exciting. I’ve learned pattern cutting, making and measuring for the first time… I really liked this course and I am happy I was a part of it. The challenging times made me gain confidence and determination"

Read more about the FF2 2007 Summer School and Industry Workshops

Suzanne, who studied Fashion and Textile design at Somerset College, was selected as a finalist for the 6th FAD Competition. She says, "The Competition is a fantastic opportunity - it's fantastic to get your work seen by the industry. It's a brilliant opportunity to get experience about putting on fashion shows' and it's really exciting!

The brief for me was really interesting - it's really good to get students interested in other cultures and draw influences from that. It was really interesting to research and to inspire our textile and fashion ideas."

During summer 2006, Suzanne volunteered as a Workshop Assistant at Fashion Futures 1. "I found it really rewarding. It's great to see the students just excel, really. They come here, some of them not very confident, and by the end of the week they've really achieved something and that makes you feel great at the end of the day, to have been able to help them.

I think FAD is a great organisation to be promoting fashion and careers in fashion to young people. A lot of them don't really realise what it involves and I think during these workshops they really understand what it involves, how hard it is to get into and the sort of skills they'll need."

Stanley, from St Angela's and St Bonaventure's Sixth Form in Newham studies Textiles, Art and Business A-Level. He was a finalist in FAD Fashion Futures 2 2006.

For him, "The best bit was the designing and the making. Getting from 2D to 3D. I wanted to get more insight into the fashion industry and thought FF2 was a good opportunity to develop my skills and get information from other people who think differently to my teachers and people I meet in my daily life.

What it taught me was to be as creative but as practical as possible. To be creative on the page but to make sure that the garment fits its purpose/the brief.

In the future I would like to go to London College of Fashion to do the foundation year."

Dhurata, originally from Kosovo, took part in the FAD Fashion Futures 2 Saturday workshops in 2005. She won a place as a finalist at the Summer School at London College of Fashion and showed her design for the perfect little black dress on a catwalk at the Fashion and Textiles Museum at the 1st FAD Junior Awards.

Dhurata says that her biggest FAD Fashion Futures Lesson was "Confidence. You begin to believe in yourself and you realise you can do anything. The first stage of designing was new to me, but I felt by the end that I could do this despite having a short time to work in. I begin my designs by imagining what my dress would look like on the catwalk. Then I know whether what I have in mind will work or not."

At the Awards ceremony, she recieved a special mention. Judges praised the craftsmanship of her design, a strapless dress with a pretty crochet silk jacket in beige-gold.

After completing her BTEC at Newham College, Dhurata moved on to the Foundation course at London College of Fashion. She returned to FAD in the summer of 2006, this time as a Workshop Assistant for FAD Fashion Futures 1, helping to advise, enthuse and motivate the younger students.

She has also been helping FAD in its Foundation to Fashion Futures scheme, showing her portfolio to Year 9 students and explaining her route in design education to inspire them in their career choices.

Annie designed the stunning silver-trimmed party dress which won FAD Fashion Futures 2 2005, and was manufactured and sold by George at ASDA. After seeing the dress on the catwalk at the Fashion and Textiles Museum, judge Sophie Clinch from ASDA said "This dress has an excellent finish, is very pretty and will be easy to make and sell."

Annie said that during the course "I learned a lot more about pattern cutting, how to develop patterns to make a design from a basic block. I also discovered how using the industrial machine can change the appearance of the garment. I had used machines before but here I was taught not to hold back but let go and let the machine do it for you. Now I have the confidence to just pin the fabric and let it go with the machine. FAD also helped me understand how a design can come from research and an idea can develop into a final product with different patterns. I enjoyed all of it."

As part of her prize, Annie also won a work placement at ASDA's clothing label George, which gave her a real-life insight into a career as a fashion designer. She reports "The design side paralleled with what we had done at FAD.

We spent time putting together moodboards and colour swatches, and surfing ASDA's online resources to find images they had pulled off last summer's catwalks to predict this season's high street trends. Now when I look at the clothes on the high street I see that all the designers predictions have come true. It was really inspirational to see it all come together"

"I now know I would like to do something in design. Not necessarily fashion but something where I can draw on my own inspiration for the final product."

Annie has just completed her Foundation Year at the London College of Fashion, and is now beginning a BA in Applied Print. She's been using the skills she's developed as a FAD Workshop Assistant, mentoring younger students on the Summer 2007 Fashion Futures 1 courses.

Joanne was a student on FAD's Fashion Futures 1 course in 2003, and loved the experience: "In this project I enjoyed making the dress and also the fashion show we did afterwards. I think the whole project was excellent. I would like to thank everyone who has made this enjoyable course a dream come true. It has helped me a lot with my future career."

She is currently studying Business & Marketing at The University of Hertfordshire, and producing her own fashion collections in her spare time. She has been a volunteer at FAD's catwalk shows, and in summer 2006 was a Workshop Assistant for FAD Fashion Futures 1.

She says, "I'm here because I wanted to give something back to FAD after getting so much from doing it! It really taught me to be confident in what I am doing. FAD opened doors for me. Whenever you call them, they give you good advice. FAD is my fashion family really."