Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Maze designer's work to appear at Earls Court

Jonathan Monroe a student on the BA (Bons) Fashion course at Manchester School of Art MMU.A DESIGNER from the Maze could be launching a successful career when he shows off six of his creations at Graduate Fashion Week in London next week.

Jonathan Monroe (23), from Cross Lane in Maze, a final year BA (Hons) Fashion student at Manchester Metropolitan University, will use six creations which can be seen on the catwalk at Earls Court on Tuesday June 9 .

Graduate Fashion Week judges select the best students from fashion schools across the country to show at the event each year, which attracts journalists and fashion scouts from across the globe.

The annual event launched the careers of John Galliano and Stella McCartney.

Jonathan commented: "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 fashion."

He continued: "I've always been fascinated by the world of fashion. When I was younger I used to customise trousers and jackets and have always had a drive to produce clothing that is both personal to me and accessible and exciting to others.

"I like to mix old styles with new, basic pieces with luxurious tailoring and often take inspiration from items I find at antique markets.

"My final collection was inspired by the functional clothing of 18th and early 19th Century American lumberjacks and the splendour of military uniform, contrasting embellished details with a more dishevelled look." Alison Welsh, Programme Leader for Fashion at MMU, said: "Graduate Fashion Week provides students with a unique opportunity to showcase their work and meet industry insiders. Only the best fashion students are chosen so Jonathan should be very proud to be selected."

Jonathan, who previously attended the Friends' School in Lisburn and undertook his Art Foundation at the University of Ulster, hopes to one day establish his own fashion label. He is one of 20 Manchester Metropolitan University students attending Graduate Fashion Week this year.

Ulster Star
05/06/2009