A new collection of bridal lingerie, created by a De Montfort University (DMU) graduate, has gone on sale with lingerie giants Triumph.
The limited edition “Ecliptic Renewal” range − featuring a lace, vanilla-coloured bra, thong and suspender belt − was created by Sian Whitefoot after she was named ‘Lingerie Designer of the Year’ at the prestigious Triumph Inspiration Awards 2012.
Whilst still a student on DMU’s world-renowned Contour Fashion course, Sian beat 20 other students to win the UK final of the competition, before heading to Shanghai and competing against 37 other countries to win the international final and the coveted title.
As paat of the prize Sian travelled to Munich to commercially develop her intricately embellished lace bodysuit, bra and knicker set with Triumph’s design team. She also won €15,000 prize money.
Her range is now on sale on Triumph’s website and in flagship stores in Stratford and Bluewater shopping centre in Kent.
The 22-year-old, from Sale, also worked with the company last year to customise a garment for display at London Fashion Week − alongside leading fashion designers Matthew Williamson, Louise Gray, Fyodor Golan and Felder Felder − before going on to showcase at the largest graduate fashion event in the world, Graduate Fashion Week.
“My whole experience with Triumph has been amazing. From the initial stage in London, travelling to Shanghai, working with the design team in Munich and finally seeing my product in store,” said Sian.
“The whole experience provided me with a great insight in to the industry and I will be forever grateful for Triumph for such an amazing opportunity. Thinking that my original design came to life in my student living room and it is now being sold worldwide is truly amazing.”
Sian graduated from DMU last year and now works as a designer for lingerie company Ace Style Intimate Apparel.
She recently showcased designs at the famous St Andrews Charity Fashion Show, the event that Prince William reportedly fell for his wife after she modelled a see-through dress on the catwalk.
Graduates of Contour Fashion have great success in the field and go on to work for some of the biggest names in the world. Earlier this year global superstar Beyoncé performed at The Grammys wearing a design by former student Nichole de Carle. Paloma Faith also wore designs by Nichole for the front cover of her latest single.
The course is led by Gillian Proctor who was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at last year’s UK Lingerie Awards for her impressive career in the industry and dedication to inspiring the next generation of lingerie designers.
As Sian did, this year’s soon-to-be graduates from DMU’s Contour Fashion and Fashion Design courses will be showcasing their designs at Graduate Fashion Week at London’s Old Truman Brewery, in Brick Lane.
Contour Fashion’s catwalk show is on Sunday 1 June at 6:30pm and Fashion Design’s is Monday 2 June at 5pm. For more information or tickets visit www.gfw.org.uk
For more information about Sian and her designs visit www.sianwhitefoot.co.uk
