A fashion graduate has been shortlisted for a national award.

Abi Lewer, from Harrietsham, was put forward for the Fashanne Awards by De Montfort University, where she has just finished a degree in Fashion Design.

The 22-year-old has submitted her final collection, which includes a unisex half jacket and shirt dress, "reinventing the classic tailored look".

It is inspired by Miss Lewer's interest in mental health - with the struggles one can face when dealing with anxiety and depression expressed by combining a range of fabrics and prints.

Miss Lewer said: "Studying fashion has been emotionally, physically and mentally draining and challenging. However, it's also been the most amazing and rewarding years of my life.

"I am incredibly grateful to be shortlisted as I have worked so hard for my degree, particularly in my final year of study."

She added: "My final year was cut short due to Covid-19, so I am unable to make my full final collection, but winning this competition would give me the opportunity to bring my collection to life."

During her course, Miss Lewer spent a year working for ASOS as a pattern cutting intern. Her dream placement, the former Invicta Grammar School student got to see her work for sale on one of Britain's biggest retail websites.

Now having completed her degree, the previous winner of the Roadley Sustainability Award is aiming to secure a pattern cutting job in the coming months.

In the meantime, she has set up her own brand, Abi Lewer Design, and is sewing face masks, altering clothes and producing upholstery items.

There are two prizes up for grabs at the Fashanne Awards - the People's Choice Award, voted for by the public, and the Judges Award, which will give entrants a chance to get their work seen by industry specialists, including Scottish fashion designer, Patrick Grant.

An exact closing date for voting has not yet been confirmed but it should be open until at least Monday, July 6.

Click here to vote in the Fashnne People's Choice Award - scroll down to the bottom to select your choice - and here to view @AbiLewerDesign on Facebook.

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