UCA Rochester Fashion Design Graduate Wins International Competition

Lyudmilla Lane, a recent graduate from UCA Rochester has won the Who's Next/Arts Thread Fashion Graduate Competition 2011.

One of ten winners who triumphed over entries from more than 50 colleges worldwide, Lyudmilla will showcase her collection at the world-famous WHO'S NEXT Prêt-à-Porter trade show in Paris, from 21-24 January.

Lyudmila, who was also a Gold Award finalist at London's Graduate Fashion Week this year, said: "As a new designer hoping to enter the professional world of fashion, exhibiting my collection at WHO'S NEXT Prêt-à-Porter is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me. The opportunity to show my creations to the public and meet influential fashion buyers from around the world is an amazing chance for me to establish my own label."

The ten winning designers were judged in four categories (Womenswear, Menswear, Footwear and Accessories) by leading figures from the fashion industry, including creative directors from Calvin Klein, Henri Lloyd and Tommy Hilfiger.

Lyudmila added: "Winning has given me a huge boost in both energy and aspiration - it's a huge step for my career and my dream of seeing people wearing my clothes out on the streets. I feel ready to go out and achieve my goals thanks to the support and guidance of the teaching staff at UCA who have given me the opportunity to uncover and expose my creative abilities."

UCA has a long history in producing talented fashion designers - graduates include Karen Millen, Zandra Rhodes and 2009 Graduate Fashion Week Gold Award winner Myrto Stamou.