The fashion world is familiar with London, Paris, Milan and New York but now Croydon could be adding itself to the list.

In a first for the UK, Croydon is sending local designers to the New York fashion week to showcase their work.

Emerging designers for a charity run boutique called Profile, in Centrale shopping centre, will be on show on September 10 and 11 at the Prince George Ballroom near Madison Avenue.

Profile was established in 2002 and for the last eight seasons has been providing the fashion industry with new and emerging designers in ladies wear, mens wear and accessories.

Controversial Face of Croydon winner Kym Whittle will also make her debut catwalk appearance at the Profile event.

The model, who came under fire after the competition when it emerged that she did not live full-time in Croydon, had her first photo shoot last week with the London-based Rah agency.

Jenny Holloway, director of charity Fashion Enter which runs Profile, said: "This is the first time ever London-based designers at the root of original and fresh talent, are being flown over to the states to showcase in the heart of the Big Apple.

"To think we are coming from a small, independent boutique in Croydon is just outstanding, and for Kym Whittle the winner of our Face of Croydon modelling competition to also be making her first catwalk appearance is a double delight. New Yorkers really will have a taste of forbidden fruit this season."