Could the Fine City have a fashion star of the future emerging?
Jezebel Bollan's environmentally friendly designs have wowed the judges of an acclaimed national fashion design competition.
The Hewett Academy fashionista has claimed first place in the category for year seven and eight pupils at the Young Fashion Designer of the Year (YFDUK) 2023 competition.
She grabbed the judges’ attention through her bright and colourful costumes based on using sustainable resources and fabrics, including plastic-based materials.
Jezebel said she was "delighted” as the last time she won a competition “was a beanbag race in year four”.
Miss Hill, textiles teacher at the Hewett, saw great potential and recommended her for this prestigious award. She said: “Jezebel’s win is pertinent to her generation in which sustainability is a genuine world issue.”
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The YFDUK competition gives a platform for young designers across the whole of the country the chance to showcase their work to the fashion industry.
Jezebel said how she loves exploring different ways of being creative at school, influenced by her mum, but she “never expected to be recognised” for her fashion designs.
Antony Little, principal of the Hewett, said: “This could be a launchpad for an incredible career in the fashion industry.
“Following on from four students getting exhibited in the Royal Academy for their art, for Jezebel to win this accolade is so amazing.”
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To enter the competition, young designers had to stand out from the crowd across four outfit designs, including research and samples.
Jezebel’s costumes stood out from hundreds of other aspiring designers.
YFDUK was established in 2010 and is judged by industry experts with a wealth of experience each year.
Miss Hill added: “We are so proud of her confidence to enter this competition and delighted by her win in this category.”
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