GLITZ and glamour came to Galashiels last Friday as students from Heriot-Watt University wowed the audience with their dazzling fashion show at the Volunteer Hall.

The night was organised by the Illtricket Fashion Designer team, formed by a group of Fashion Technology students, and the focus of this year’s event was individuality.

“Everyone had their own collection, so there was more scope for unique and individual designs, we didn’t have to stick to a particular theme,” said Antonia McCormack, 21, a third year student at Heriot-Watt.

“The university doesn’t put on an end of year show for us,” explained Kat Chesters, 21, also on the design team. “Some of our class are graduating this year, and choosing not to carry on into fourth year, so they wouldn’t get to showcase their work. So we decided to take it upon ourselves to do it, and we did it to raise money for charity as well.” The Fashion Technology course at Heriot-Watt is renowned for equipping students with the skillsets to enter the competitive fashion industry, and all garments produced have to be up to industry standards.

“Our course is based more on the industry and production side of fashion, rather than just design,” said Kat. “We have to look at how we commercially manufacture these garments as well, rather than just bespoke garments.

“I’m interning for Karen Millen in the summer, for their production management team, based in London, and then I am carrying on to fourth year.” Laura Gibson, 39, will graduate from the course this year, and she hopes to set up her own business. “I have a few people who already do designs for me, so I am looking to pursue that further,” she said. “The course has helped me. It has been great to work with so many talented designers and production staff.” Collections this year were aimed at high-street brands such as Ted Baker amd Reiss, and made for both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter seasons. All profits from the show will be donated to the Fashion Textile Children’s Trust charity.

GLITZ and glamour came to Galashiels last Friday as students from Heriot-Watt University wowed the audience with their dazzling fashion show at the Volunteer Hall.

The night was organised by the Illtricket Fashion Designer team, formed by a group of Fashion Technology students, and the focus of this year’s event was individuality.

“Everyone had their own collection, so there was more scope for unique and individual designs, we didn’t have to stick to a particular theme,” said Antonia McCormack, 21, a third year student at Heriot-Watt.

“The university doesn’t put on an end of year show for us,” explained Kat Chesters, 21, also on the design team. “Some of our class are graduating this year, and choosing not to carry on into fourth year, so they wouldn’t get to showcase their work. So we decided to take it upon ourselves to do it, and we did it to raise money for charity as well.” The Fashion Technology course at Heriot-Watt is renowned for equipping students with the skillsets to enter the competitive fashion industry, and all garments produced have to be up to industry standards.

“Our course is based more on the industry and production side of fashion, rather than just design,” said Kat. “We have to look at how we commercially manufacture these garments as well, rather than just bespoke garments.

“I’m interning for Karen Millen in the summer, for their production management team, based in London, and then I am carrying on to fourth year.” Laura Gibson, 39, will graduate from the course this year, and she hopes to set up her own business. “I have a few people who already do designs for me, so I am looking to pursue that further,” she said. “The course has helped me. It has been great to work with so many talented designers and production staff.” Collections this year were aimed at high-street brands such as Ted Baker amd Reiss, and made for both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter seasons. All profits from the show will be donated to the Fashion Textile Children’s Trust charity.