Students from Newcastle College were able to show off the work they have been doing during the Metrocentre's Fashion and Beauty Festival.
The students were able to showcase their own designs, as well as the craftsmanship involved in being able to put the clothes together, with other students pitching in too. Music and acting students took to the catwalk while hair and beauty students worked to style the models and complete the looks.
This joint effort took place last weekend, part of the Spring/Summer 2023 show at the Metrocentre. Renowned celebrity stylist Mark Hayes, who has appeared on daytime TV shows giving fashion advice, hosted the event.
Dryden Walker, 16, is a Fashion and Textiles first year student from Consett, and he has spoken about how it felt being selected for the fashion show.
“I've dreamed of being on the runway my whole life, so finding out I had been selected to be part of the fashion show was such an amazing feeling, and I couldn't believe it.
"I've wanted to be a designer and to work in the fashion industry from such a young age. This was my first runway, but it definitely won't be the last", he said.
Metrocentre Marketing Manager, Helen Atkinson, also spoke about the event as a whole, and why it is important to give young people opportunities to show off their work in this way.
“Metrocentre’s SS23 Fashion & Beauty Festival was a great success, with plenty of spectators enjoying the show over the weekend whilst gaining insight into must-have fashion pieces for the season.
"The Newcastle College students played a big part in its success and as a centre with community at its core, we’re proud to be able provide opportunities that nurture local talent", she said.
Lisa Hoseason, Assistant Principal at Newcastle College has also gone into more detail about exactly what it is that events like this offer students.
“Events like this offer students real experience and learning outside the classroom, where they can pick up important life skills that will help them with employment in the future.
"Newcastle College prides itself on offering students valuable work experience opportunities where they can harness the skills they have picked up in the classroom and apply them to real-world experiences.
"This was an amazing event to take part in and we’re delighted that our students were given the opportunity."
Read next:
I visited the Northumberland village with a stunning bay overlooked by ruins of a majestic castle
Newcastle Great Park finally gets first supermarket as Morrisons to open its doors
Football programme to help men tackle obesity across the UK kicks off in Gateshead
Ukrainian refugee relaunches her bespoke soft toy business in Northumberland