MODELS strutted their stuff on the catwalk as Swindon’s budding fashion designers showed off their creative talent.

New College students invited members of the public to preview their work at their annual fashion show at the Queens Drive college on Wednesday.

The designs featured work from GCSE, AS-Level and A-Level students inspired by artists such as Claire Coles and John Galliano.

The show, called Behind The Seams, saw colourful designs using themes, including floral, decorative effects, confectionery, fair ground and historical costumes.

Students designed, modelled and choreographed the show and produced unique pieces, such as dresses made from maps to depict a personal journey, 1960s shift dresses and elaborate head pieces.

Karen Pau, one of the lecturers co-ordinating the event, said: “The students work very hard to produce some excellent pieces of work – the diversity of the pieces is amazing.

“Our A-Level textiles students go on to a wide range of prestigious careers so this show really is an opportunity for members of the public to view the early work of the Stella McCartneys and Julien MacDonalds of the future.

“One of our ex-students, Leigh Montague, is now designing menswear pieces for Marks and Spencer and another, Louise Charles, got a highly coveted position working with the acclaimed contemporary textile artist Alice Kettle.

“A lot of the students who took part in this year’s fashion show have a very bright future ahead of them.”

Members of the public were treated to two performances on Wednesday at 2pm and 8pm.

For more information about the fashion show, or the fashion and textiles courses available at New College, call Karen Pau or Kate Gale on 01793 611470.