A STUDENT from Bury has been praised by leading people in the fashion industry after showcasing her talents on the catwalk at London Fashion Week on Monday night.

Zoe Alexandra Leach, of Kenyon Crescent, is in her final year at Manchester Fashion Institute, made it to the final twenty of the Fashion Awareness Direct competition,held in collaboration with Missoni.

Although in the end just missing out on a top three position, Zoe was given a special mention by Liz Griffiths, head of creative textile and design research at Missoni, on behalf of creative director Angela Missoni where she was applauded for her beautifully finished garments.

She was also praised for her contemporary use of historical techniques and elegantly incorporating movement and fluidity into her clothing.

Zoe, 23, said: “The Fad x Missoni show was such an amazing experience.

“It was an honour to receive a special mention award from Angela Missoni herself and her interest in buying my garments is such a big privilege.

“The whole experience was fantastic and overwhelming,” she added.

More than 120 entrants from 40 UK colleges and universities took part in the competition.

Past FAD competition finalists have gone on to achieve successful careers in the fashion industry, and include noted designer David Koma as well as design professionals at Hussein Chalayan, Burberry, Aquascutum, ASOS and All Saints.

On the night the catwalk hall was packed with industry representatives keen to harness the talent of tomorrow, with people from ASOS, All Saints, Inditex, Karen Millen and Uniqlo seated front row.

FAD is a London-based charity set up by by their chief executive Maria Alvarez in 1997 to help people make their way into the fashion industry.

They run two competitions a year — one for graduating students, and one for 16-18 year olds, and also host a number of careers-based workshops throughout the year.

Liz Griffiths commented: “All the contestants have something to say, they are all talented in different ways and we can only hope that they will continue their path to success as future fashion designers.”