Alicia Stone, 21, from Nottingham Trent University walked away with the top prize at the 2008 FAD Competition last night, 22^nd April 2008, with her design praised as ‘wearable, buyable and covetable' by fashion journalist and jury member Melanie Rickey (Fashion Features & News Editor, Grazia).

A deceptively simple yet stunning design in a grey and white palette, interspersed with eye catching yellow and vibrant red detailing and accessories, displayed an innovative take on the brief which asked students to create one outfit that could be transformed through additional layers, altering its silhouette to create a new outfit from the original piece. Alicia Stone's design received a unanimous vote from the jury and won her £2000 and a work-placement in Madrid with prestigious Spanish brand Hoss Intropia.

Jemma Simmons, 21, from De Montfort University took second place with a design that mixed prints and bold colours to create a unique on-trend jumpsuit, while sleek old school glamour won Sophie Willett, 20, from Central Saint Martins, third prize. They both win £1000 each and a work-placement with Pink Soda and Gavin Douglas respectively.

All 12 finalists saw their work showcased in a catwalk show and exhibition as part of the 2008 FAD Competition at the Music Room, South Molton Lane. Arranged by the leading educational fashion charity, Fashion Awareness Direct, the competition aims to highlight and support the UK's most promising student designers by providing a platform for them to showcase to the industry as well as providing the winners with financial support for their final year collection.

The event is heavily supported by the fashion industry and this year's jury comprised a panel with a reputation for spotting new talent; Melanie Rickey (Fashion News and Features Editor, Grazia), Luisa de Paula (Buying & Merchandising Director, My-wardrobe.com), and Francesca Forcolini (owner of acclaimed London boutique, Labour of Love) lent their industry expertise to select the winners from a collection of strong designs from the 12 finalists.

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For images or further information, contact: 

Amanda Johansson                                                     Maria Alvarez

M: 07855 166259                                                        T: 020 7490 3946

NOTES

2008 FAD Competition Jury

The panel of jury supporting this event are experts from their respected fields and include:

• Abigail Ashton, Director, Ashton Porter Architects
• Francesca Forcolini, Owner, Labour of Love
• Louise de Caires, Creative Director, Fashion Awareness Direct
• Luisa de Paula, Merchandising & Buying Director, My-wardrobe.com
• Melanie Rickey, Fashion Features & News Editor, Grazia Magazine
• Prof. Hugo de Berg, Director of the China Media Centre, University of Westminster
• Terri Cohen, First Prize winner, 2006 FAD Competition

2008 FAD Competition Finalists

• Naomi Williams - Thames Valley University
• Bonnie Yau - Nottingham Trent University
• Terri Dewhurst - Nottingham Trent University
• Alicia Stone - Nottingham Trent University
• Charmaine Bould - University of Huddersfield
• Sophie Brownson - University of Huddersfield
• Solitaire Hill - Northbrook College
• Olivia  Bassett - Northbrook College
• Lucy Hockin - De Montfort University
• Jemma Simmons - De Montfort University
• Sophie Louise Willett - Central St Martins
• Alice Binns - University of Lincoln