Epsom student's talents get X Factor exposure (From Your Local Guardian)

Epsom student's talents get X Factor exposure

7:40am Wednesday 18th November 2009

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A student from the University for the Creative Arts at Epsom had her fashion skills put on display in front of millions of people watching X Factor.

A stunning dress she worked on was worn by Cheryl Cole during an episode of the hit ITV talent contest.

Mia Griffin, a second year BA (Hons) Fashion student, completed a work placement with acclaimed fashion designer Julien McDonald this autumn, and helped embellish several dresses by sewing on sequins and flaps.

One of these – a silver fish-scale effect dress -was later worn by Cheryl Cole.

Mia said: “I was so amazed when I saw the dress on her – I was so grateful to be part of it all. All I could say was ‘Wow!’”

During her placement Mia also got involved in dressing models for Julien’s catwalk show during London Fashion Week, and in making technical drawings of handbags.

The University for the Creative Arts has a long standing relationship with Julien McDonald brought about by lecturer Anette Fischer who has collaborated with him on a number of high profile fashion shows.

Each year 10 of Anette’s students are given the opportunity to work alongside Julien during London Fashion Week – some of these then go on to have long term careers working with the designer.

Willie Hamil, a fashion enterprise student, was also in his second year when he completed an extended placement with the designer last year. He was the first male intern the designer ever had and was involved in producing various dresses for the 2009 Girl’s Aloud Tour.

He said: “It was great to see a whole season through and have hands on experience in the workplace interacting with a famous designer and their team every day.”

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