Sacred Heart College Year 13 student Isobella Comber earned top recognition at this year’s A&P Show Design, Make and Model competition.

Isobella came first and third in the Senior Section and won Best Upcycled Garment and Best Garment made with Natural Fibres. 

Isobella, along with Raven Lawton, who entered as well, and Hannah Lunn, who modelled for Isobella, won Sacred Heart College the title of ‘Overall Winning School’ and a new sewing machine. 

This achievement marks another successful year for Sacred Heart College, which had three students win awards in 2023. 

Fashion and textiles teacher Anna Grapes said the awards are a wonderful way of recognising the high standard of work that individual students have produced.

“In order to win a placing, the garment has to show flair in design and be immaculate in the way it has been constructed both inside and out,” she said.

The competition is familiar territory for the college, with students showcasing garments developed as part of their classroom assessments.

Prior to going on maternity leave, Mrs Grapes supported the students with their individual designs and visions for their garments. 

“Every garment starts off as a drawing, and then we work through a process of experimenting with different construction methods to determine the best finish. We also work together to develop a construction plan to ensure the garment is sewn in an order that will come out with the most refined finish.” 

For Isobella, the creative process led to two unique outfits: a cargo pants and crop top set paired with a bomber jacket inspired by urban military styles, and a second look featuring a corset, skirt, and bag made entirely from repurposed ties, completed with a brown blazer.

Mrs Grapes says the students who entered are consistently ambitious with their designs. 

“They always go the extra mile to make their garments that little bit more personalised and meaningful to them. I am extremely proud to see their work being recognised publicly, as many of the garments can take several months to complete from conception to creation.”

Isobella’s garments stood out in terms of both craftsmanship and creativity, according to one of the technical judges, Sarah Shand, who praised the polished and inventive elements of her designs. 

Mrs Shand noted that details such as lining the trousers set Isobella’s work apart.

“Her outfits were complete and a step above the rest in terms of finish and creativity,” Mrs Shand said.

Mrs Grapes says she has watched Isobella evolve as a young designer throughout her five years at Sacred Heart College. 

“She always pushed herself in every class project, adding an extra technical challenge for herself. Isobella made some of her entered garments as part of coursework but once finished, she decided to go the extra mile to design and create other entries. The results of the competition show that both talent and a hard work ethic pay off.”

Article added: Wednesday 20 November 2024