Orpington teenager hopes to be name to watch at London Fashion Week in the future (From News Shopper)

Orpington teenager hopes to be name to watch at London Fashion Week in the future

8:56am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Bromley By Robert Fisk

A TEENAGER hopes she will be the designer everyone comes to see at future London fashion weeks after showcasing her first piece there yesterday (September 18).

Annabel McLeod, of Osgood Avenue, Orpington, showed off what she thinks it means to be British with a dress inspired by 18th century carriages she has seen in the Victoria & Albert museum.

The 17-year-old’s design came after she took part in a series of hands on workshops with charity Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD).

She was one of just 26 youngsters chosen from the 120 who were at the workshops to go through to the 2012 FAD summer school where she created a catwalk collection in just five days.

The young designer then saw her dress modelled at the final which took place at Freemasons’ Hall, Covent Garden, central London, Covent Garden, yesterday.

Annabel says being part of the process has been a dream come true.

She said: “FAD is an incredible organisation that should be applauded for the support it gives young people in the UK.

“This opportunity is once in a lifetime for me and I’m overwhelmed and extremely happy to be part of the final.”

The former Cator Park School for Girls pupil added: “My inspiration was taken from the 1700s.

“During that century a lot of attention was paid to detail especially with the style of their horse and carriages.

“The craftsmanship of these carriages that I saw in the V&A caught my eye and I wanted to incorporate that theme into my design one way or another.”

The winner of the final secures a placement with George at Asda, which sponsors the event.