A university student from Frome, Sarah Hardstaff, is one of four students to win a lingerie fashion design competition run by one of the world’s biggest brands.
Sarah, 21, is a third year ‘Contour Fashion and Design’ student at De Montfort University Leicester’s (DMU).
She was chosen as a joint winner of the Berlei Lingerie 1/3 Brand Positioning Project to create a contemporary feminine lingerie collection for women over 45 with a specific fit and features suited for that market. Both winners were given a prize of £250.
Sarah said, “My project was based around creating a new product that could replace a metal wire to ensure adequate support to even plus-sized cups but with the comfort similar to a wireless bra.
“The product would be made from a gel, in a unique supportive shape structure and infused between memory foam layers for comfort. I’m incredibly grateful to Berlei. I learnt a great deal from this fantastic project.”
Berlei & Gossard managing director Tony Jarvis said, “As a brand, we are very aware of the importance of planning for the future and therefore work closely with De Montfort University on ensuring that there are close links between our industry and the pioneers of the future.
“The effort that the students put into the projects and the quality of the finished work was of the highest order and was a real credit to the university.
“We are very impressed with the standards that were achieved and will certainly be looking at developing some of the ideas in conjunction with the university.”
Contour Fashion programme leader Gillian Proctor added, “DMU has a long-standing and respectful relationship with the Berlei team who have consistently nurtured and encouraged fashion forward creative solutions from the student cohort.
“Few brands can be as generous with their time and vision for the potential of new product ranges and value their creative worth.
“We are delighted to acknowledge Berlei as one of our working partners and a member of the International Institute of Intimate Apparel.”
