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Fashion Show Success

Gorgeous gowns, extraordinary hats and brilliant bags were paraded down the catwalk at The Milton Keynes Academy.

The colourful creations were designed and made by talented BTEC students with a real flair for fashion.

A packed audience applauded and cheered the fabulous designs, which were all modelled by students.

Special guest judge was celebrity milliner Shirley Hex, who designed hats for the late Diana Princess of Wales and the Queen Mother. She was joined by designer Amanda Wilkinson from George at Asda, Marina Paniliskiene from Zara and Nichola Ahmed from Milton Keynes College.

Winner of the BTEC Final Year Fashion Student Award went to 17-year-old Madia Boston who impressed judges with her dramatic red and black dress. "I was inspired by the 1980s," she said, "I created the skirt's unusual effect by burning black lace and placing it on the fabric."

Hats and fascinators made by Year 9 and 10 students showed originality and lots of imagination. They used materials such as bath sponges, a lampshade and old tights.  

Year 11 students showed their amazing dresses, with many making their own fabrics and using unusual materials such as light bulbs.

The show also featured bags designed and made by boys and girls in Year 8.

Textile instructor and show organiser Rasma Freimanis said: "I am really proud of all the students as they have all worked so hard and the standard of work is so high. When you consider how young they are, it is remarkable that they have achieved so much."

Principal Lorna Caldicott presented prizes to Senna Gungaabayar for Best Student, Corinna Macintyre for Most Improved Student and Fiona Smith for Outstanding Achievement.

During the evening there were excellent performances from singers Keith Mtape and Lea Tuabanzuls, pianist Patrick Yeboah and drummers.  A delicious buffet was made by Year 10 catering students along with teacher Mrs. Caines and technical coach Maryann Potter.