Milly Jackson awarded top prize at Fashion Awareness Direct Competition 2011

Milly Jackson, 22, from Nottingham Trent University was awarded the top prize at the 2011 FAD Competition (Fashion Awareness Direct) for her collection inspired by Yann Martel’s novel ‘Life of Pi’. Designs included dresses in brushed silk, velvet and wool, featuring reworked animal prints and details drawing inspiration from the book’s characters. Jackson received a unanimous vote from the jury panel and was given £2,000 and a design placement with Whistles.

Laura Carew-Gibson, 22, from De Montfort University was named as first runner-up, while Annie Vallis, 22, also from Nottingham Trent University took the second runner-up prize. Both runners-up were presented with £1,000 and work placements with former FAD Competition finalist, David Koma, and Jaeger.

15 finalists from universities across the UK took part in the catwalk final at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. The students presented two garments each inspired by the theme of Escape. The event is heavily supported by the fashion industry and this year’s jury comprised; Professor Wendy Dagworthy, Head of the School of Fashion & Textiles at the Royal College of Art; Anne Tyrrell MBE, Anne Tyrrell Design Consultancy and Chair of BFC Colleges Council; Martyn Roberts, Director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout; Kate Carter, Web Life and Style Editor at the Guardian; Editor James Wallman and Fashion Editor Joanna Tulej, L:SN Global and Tracey Bartlett, Senior Womenswear Designer at ASOS.com and 2002 FAD Competition Winner.