Like all 15 finalists entrants, McLeod had created two costumes, one ‘outerwear’ outfit for Moscow, a second symbolising imperial St Petersburg . And the judges were unananimous in picking McLeod as winner praising her “conceptual innovation” in capturing the ‘peasant’ and the ‘aristocrat’ feel of both cities,

McLeod’s inspiration? The colour and embroidery used in outfits in this year’s theme ballets: The Rite of Spring and the Firebird. She wins £2,000 plus a work placement with designer Paul Costelloe, a member of the jury.

All three winners came from McLeod’s university – Nottingham Trent. Katie Pope, the first runner-up won £1,000 and a work placement with Selfridges’ for a coat-dress in shades of beige-brown with green-eau-de-nil patterning. For St Petersburg Pope designed a theatrical purple dress with frills, flounces and lace, and alternate panels of gold and purple in the skirt. The third winner Alex Kearns, won £1,000 in cash and a work placement with Tata Naka for her ankle-skimming grey coat embroidered with gold thread and a luxurious gold dress, with quilted white and gold swatches pinned to one shoulder. Eleanor Brooks of Winchester University was also commended by the jury for her filmy white costume combining both cities.

Prizes were presented to the winners in the Delfina Studios by the competition judges – who this year included Paul Costelloe, Alexander Shumsky of Russian Fashion Week, Vanessa Denza of Denza International, Anna Garner, head of fashion for Selfridges, Sarah Woodcock, curator the Theatre Museum, FAD director Mary Eyre and Krishna Jethwa, a finalist from FAD’s 2004 competition.

The chairman of the jury, the Daily Telegraph’s Fashion editor
Hilary Alexander praised the “workmanship” and “detailed research” undertaken by all 15 finalists, saying “The quality is amazing.
There is so much creativity and these clothes are beautifully made. Every student should be proud. The three winners really reflected the spirit of ballet."

Andy Powell, Chief Executive of Edge the charity devoted to practical learning which sponsored this year’s fifth FAD competition said:
“The standard of entries has been first class. All the finalists have demonstrated a level of creativity, and intelligence that makes Edge proud to be the sponsor.

Maria Alvarez de Toledo, FAD’s director commented: “This year’s entries have been fantastic.” Thanks and congratulations to all who participated in the fifth FAD competition.