Beth has designs on following Julien
22-06-2012
Fashion Design student Beth Jones is aiming to follow in the footsteps of homegrown hero Julien Macdonald after securing a prestigious job at a top design house.
Like the famous designer and Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model judge, Beth Jones attended Cyfarthfa High School, before she came to Newport to study the BA in Fashion Design.
And now the 22-year-old has just returned from displaying her 12-piece collection on the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week, with a offer from Karen Millen to become a “design protege”.
Beth was one of just eight of Newport's students selected to have her work shown at the largest graduate fashion event in the world, which showcases the best new talent for potential employers and the media.
But while the great and good of the fashion world descended on the brightest university talents, Beth was singled out for her unique style.
“It went really well, every university has a stand but I was asked for personally after Karen Millen saw my work on display”, she said.
“Last time I went to London I relied on the bank of Mum and Dad, who’ve been really supportive about it.
“This time the job is paid, thankfully! It involves me working alongside the design team and producing new collections for the company.”
Beth was also lucky enough to meet Julien for a special chat with the man who inspired her to follow her dreams.
“It was really nice to talk to him, because he’s from our area and he spoke to me about how he started off and how he got to where he was. It’s nice to have somebody like that because you know someone from the same background as me has done it.”
Beth said she finds inspiration for her work both at home and abroad, with her latest collection borne from a visit to New York in February.
“This collection was inspired by a trip but I wouldn’t say my collections are inspired by travel. I am inspired by everything around me,” she said.
“I was wandering around Central Park and I loved the way the trees looked when they had shed their leaves. I loved the silhouettes.
“I came home with hundreds of pictures and used them to create my own digital print. My collection is very organic and uses natural colours, such as whites and greys.
“All the fabrics in my collection I produced myself – the print was my digital design that I had printed and the wool, sponsored by Rowan, was all hand crocheted and manipulated into an innovative textile.”
This story featured in the Western Mail and Merthyr Express. To read more, go to:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/merthyr/2012/06/21/fashion-student-beth-jones-is-set-to-meet-merthyr-tydfil-born-designer-julien-macdonald-when-she-showcases-her-work-91466-31225866/#ixzz1yWlxbuUl