Japanese tradition proved to be the inspiration for a Birmingham fashion student who took the top prize at this year’s Rags to Riches Competition at South Birmingham College.

17-year-old Aneeqa Khan’s prize-winning design was chosen from 120 ideas created by South Birmingham College students studying the BTEC Extended Diploma in Fashion.

Second and third prizes went to Rosie Nguyen and Daisy Eyre.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Birmingham Bull Ring Markets and Harvey Nichols, challenges the students to design an eveningwear outfit for an imaginary designer’s diffusion range called Rags to Riches with the added element of an East Meets West Theme introduced this year.

The conditions were that only £50 could be spent on the design and creation of each outfit, all materials had to be sourced from the Bull Ring Markets and that the outfits had to be made with Birmingham’s budgeting students in mind.

The nail biting final which took place at the College’s Digbeth Campus, saw the final 10 designs battle it out on the glitzy catwalk parade in front of the judging panel - Kenneth Gray, Bull Ring Market Trader; Constantine Tziambazis, Retail Manager for Women’s Wear and Personal Shopping Harvey Nichols; Garry Jones, local artist and designer and South Birmingham College’s Dawn Cockcroft and Audrey Bathley, who were be looking for cutting technique, adaptation and finish of each outfit.

Aneeqa, from Saltley who came first said “I’m thrilled that my design won. The silhouette of my design is inspired by the architecture of traditional Japanese houses. I have combined this with the theme of steam punk for a modern twist.”

Eileen Simons, Assistant Director for Creative Studies said “I am thrilled that Harvey Nichols and Birmingham Bull Ring Markets have supported the show again this year. Their continued support means a great deal to our students; it’s an invaluable experience for them.”

South Birmingham College Principal, Mike Hopkins said “Our Fashion Show is a fantastic event every year and the standard is always very impressive. The students have real talent and this shows in the designs and outfits they produce. They have created some fantastic outfits again I am immensely proud of them and the staff who teach and support.”  

The event was also supported by students who are studying the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology Events Support who built the stage set and operated the sound and lighting on the evening along with Apprentices who are studying Events Management and Technical Support.

For more information on courses at South Birmingham College please call 0121 694 5000 or click here.