Textiles: Innovation & Design finalist, Emma Garner, was presented the award for her fashion accessory collection which combines contemporary architecture with the skeleton form.

The new fashion initiative, named Fashanne, was inspired by New York's famous Met Ball and was organised by BBC TV presenter Anne Davies.

The event, held on 23 June, saw collections from the most talented students from six universities in the East Midlands presented on the runway by Emma the Duchess of Rutland and Anne.

Five students from each university competed for a place at the two day fashion exhibition. Loughborough’s finalists included Emma Garner, Obie Jasper, Lauren Saunders, Valentina Tikhonova and Katie Baggott.

Collections were judged by a panel of fashion, film, TV and YouTube personalities including Fashion Journalist & TV Presenter, Susannah Constantine.

Emma’s modern and fresh approach and exceptional creativity in 3D Design and construction were commended by the judges, winning her a £2,000 cash prize.

The event, held at Belvoir Castle, attracted over 150 guests and included a champagne reception and a five course dinner featuring a signature dish from two Michelin star celebrity chef, Sat Bains.

Loughborough University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise), Professor Tracy Bhamra and Dean of the School of the Arts, English and Drama, Professor Alison Yarrington were joined by Professor of Design and Applied Arts, Terence Kavanagh and Programme Director for Textiles: Innovation & Design, Kerry Walton, at the event.

Kerry Walton said: “Needless to say this was an amazing opportunity for the students on the Textiles: Innovation & Design programme here at Loughborough, and we were delighted that Emma Garner, a final year student from the Multi-Media Textiles pathway won this prestigious prize.”