Cutting edge of fashion

Jun 2 2009 by Liz Lamb, The Journal

Final-year students on the fashion design course at Northumbria University will be displaying their talents at Graduate Fashion Week this weekend. LIZ LAMB speaks to some of the rising stars of tomorrow.

Jodie McCardle

BUDDING designer Jodie hopes Graduate Fashion Week will open doors for her in the fashion world.

The 22-year-old from Cramlington would love to stay and work in the North East, where she has completed placements with couture bridal designer Leigh Hetherington.

She says: "It’s obviously a very competitive industry especially with the climate at the moment.

"It’s going to be tougher to get a job and a lot of the jobs are in London but I’d love to stay in Newcastle."

Jodie’s womenswear collection is based on 1950s cocoon shapes and mainly features separates including jeans, skirts, tops and jackets that can be mixed and matched.

She says: "I took the 1950s shape forward and used trims on dresses and skirts. My muse was Mischa Barton.

"I wanted to do something that was feminine but edgy and have pieces that you could use during the day and at night. I am so excited about fashion week because I have not been before. There’s going to be a great atmosphere.

"After the course I am hoping to do a business- related course to help me go into business. My designs are very commercial so I’d like to work for a high street chain.

"I really love See by Chloe and Marc Jacobs."