Poppy's designs to hit the catwalk

Designs by Poppy Warwicker-Le Breton (22), from Carthall Manor, are set to hit the catwalk in Europe's fashion capital next month.

Womenswear designer Poppy, a final year fashion student at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), has been selected by a panel of external judges to send six of her stunning creations down the runway at Graduate Fashion Week at Earls Court on June 8.

This prestigious event in the annual fashion calendar has previously launched the careers of John Galliano, Hussein Chalayan, Stella McCartney and Burberry's Christopher Bailey, to name but a few.

Poppy says: "It's every fashion student's dream to show at Graduate Fashion Week, and what I've been working towards for the past three years.

"Some of the world's best known fashion designers launched their careers there, and it's an amazing opportunity to have my collection seen by some of the most important people in the industry.

"Journalists and fashion scouts from across the globe attend the event and previous students have been snapped up by fashion houses including Donna Karan, Gucci and Calvin Klein. I just can't wait!"

Describing her designs, Poppy added: "I enjoy blurring the boundaries between art and design to create statement garments that could stand alone as pieces of art.

"My final collection features large, round silhouettes that echo sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, organic fabrics such as Welsh wool and cotton drill and a neutral colour palette of white, cream, vanilla and black. I've also used a number of hand construction techniques, such as finger knitting wool and shaping all my garments by hand and touch."

Poppy, who previously attended Coleraine High School, would like to undertake a Masters to develop her skills in knitwear and print further.

She also hopes to gain further experience within the fashion industry following her graduation and dreams of one day setting up her own label.