A student from Cwmbran is aiming to take the fashion world by storm after winning a placement at one of the world’s leading retail businesses.
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Paige Leach, 22, has won a competition run by the British Fashion Council, and now will undertake a six-month contract with fashion house Givenchy.
Paige beat a massive pool of students from across the UK to win the prize, and will be working from Givenchy’s base in Paris.
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Paige, who is in the final year of her fashion design degree at the University of South Wales (USW), said she was overjoyed with her victory.
“I am absolutely delighted to have been announced the winner of the Givenchy Fashion Design competition in collaboration with The British Fashion Council. It is a dream come true,” she said.
“Also, the opportunity to present my research and design knowledge to some of the key people leading the industry was one of the best experiences to date.
“To me, winning the competition is a result of my development and ability to successfully combine my skills, knowledge and passion, which I have gained through my fashion Design education and industry work placements.”
Paige’s module leader, Fiona Howells, said staff and fellow students are very proud of her achievement.
“She has worked exceptionally hard and it is so good to see her talent and commitment being recognised by such a prestigious competition,” she said.
“We are absolutely delighted for Paige and wish her continued success. We are sure that she will excel within her work placement at Givenchy.”
Steven Wright, Senior Lecturer In Fashion Design at USW, added: “This win marks and exciting new level for Fashion at USW.
“Our connection to the British Fashion Council and the global fashion industry has given us new insight into the possibilities available to young fashion designers today.
“The course has developed significantly in recent years to focus on developing designers that can tackle the rigour of a changing industry landscape. This is done through a radical educational approach that focuses on student independence, up-to-date industry knowledge and design thinking.
“Paige’s win demonstrates the vast talent is Wales and how it can compete nationally and internationally.”
