Melissa has taken her talent to the national stage after being selected as a finalist in the Schools Fashion Design Competition 2026, held at the Fashion and Embroidery show at the NEC Birmingham.
The opportunity gave her the chance to showcase her work on a professional runway, presenting her design alongside other emerging designers from across the UK.
“Seeing a model wear my garment was one of the proudest moments I’ve had, as it allowed me to see my work realised in a professional context.
“The week leading up to it was extremely hectic, and I felt like I hadn’t stopped sewing, so watching it come to life on the runway made all the hard work feel worthwhile.”
Reflecting on being selected, Melissa said: “I was honestly shocked. It felt like such a huge opportunity, and I genuinely wasn’t expecting anything to come from it. Finding out I’d been selected was incredibly exciting and surreal and it made the hard work feel truly worth it.”
Melissa’s design explored an important issue within the fashion industry – global clothing waste, transforming discarded materials into a striking, high-impact piece.
“My design explores the volume of global clothing waste by transforming discarded materials into a statement piece that wouldn’t look out of place at an event like the Brit Awards.”
Working to a black and white brief, she used second-hand fabrics, ties and pearls to create a design inspired by Old Hollywood glamour.
“I focused on dramatic proportions, exaggerated sleeves and strong textural contrasts to elevate reclaimed materials and challenge perceptions of waste and value. The dress highlights how sustainability and spectacle can coexist.”
Melissa credits her experience on the Level 3 Textiles and Fashion course for helping her grow creatively and technically. She said:
“I chose to study fashion and textiles because I’ve always been a creative person. From dressing my Barbies to styling myself and everyone around me, fashion has always been a huge part of my life.”
“I love the process of designing and creating and then sharing my work. One of the most rewarding moments is stepping back after finishing a garment and thinking, ‘I made that.’ It’s challenging and takes many hours, but the result makes it all worth it.”
Taking part in the competition has pushed her even further: “Being a finalist means more to me than I ever imagined. It’s pushed me to challenge myself, manage my time, develop my skills and push my creative abilities further than ever before.”
Melissa is already taking exciting steps towards her future in the fashion industry.
She has been offered a place at Central Saint Martins to study BA Fashion Design, a highly competitive achievement that highlights her talent and dedication. Melissa has chosen to defer her university place for one year to focus on developing her own fashion brand.
“I still have my place secured for next September, giving me the flexibility to fully commit to the business while keeping this incredible opportunity open for the future.”
Programme Tutor Art and Design, Kendal Wright said:
“Melissa has shown exceptional creativity, dedication, and maturity throughout this project. Her ability to combine sustainability with strong visual storytelling demonstrates not only strong technical skill, but also a clear design identity beyond her level of study.
Being selected as a finalist is a well-deserved achievement and a reflection of her commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing challenges and thinking critically about the future of fashion. I’m incredibly proud of her work and excited to see where her talent takes her next.”
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