A talented year 13 designer from Marlborough Girls' College has had a taste of the real fashion world and is appearing on television on Friday.

Lara Campbell's collection of designer evening wear was voted into the finals of the Next Fashion Icon competition, after a week-long social media campaign.

Miss Campbell's friends, family and teachers all voted online for her "pick me video" which showcased her designs on YouTube.

The excited 16-year-old was one of four finalists flown to Christchurch to be judged for the final on Tuesday last week.

It will be screened on the after-school television programme The Erin Simpson Show on TV2 on Friday at 4pm.

Miss Campbell said it was an eye-opening experience.

"It was so much fun, I got my hair and makeup done. It was great to get a taste of what the real design world is like."

One of Miss Campbell's designs was created for the show, and although she was a little disappointed with their take on her design, she learned a lot from the experience, she said.

"When I send in a design, I need to be really specific about every feature of the garment and how it's meant to be made," she said.

Miss Campbell's collection was called It's all in the packing and was inspired by the eight hours she spent in a snow cave with a friend, during a survival exercise.

The dresses' shapes are a nod to the structured form of igloos and are made from materials which catch the light, much like wintry sunlight, she said.

"It was a cohesive collection in memory of that alpine trip, and it built from there," she said.

Entrants could design any range, from swimwear, to menswear or children's wear.

"Day to day clothing holds no interest for me," she said.

"As a designer, I'm into the evening wear side and I like making women look beautiful."

- The Marlborough Express

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