LEICESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Designer Karen Millen has helped select stunning outfits designed by international students Nicky Leung and Zathew Zheng for a prestigious catwalk alongside other top fashion students in the UK.

Nicky and Zathew, who are both from Hong Kong, are final year Fashion Design students at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester.

They have been chosen to be among students from 18 top fashion colleges to showcase their work at the annual Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) event on Tuesday 9 June.

The event sees fashion industry experts pick out the next generation of designers from the best of the new fashion graduates and is renowned for launching the careers of some of the biggest names in fashion including Stella McCartney and Julien Macdonald.

This year GFW takes place from 7-10 June at Earls Court II, with 44 universities and colleges exhibiting but just 18 of the best including DMU selected to stage catwalk shows.

Nicky, 20, said: “I wanted to create very interesting, new and fresh fashion outfits for women so I decided to create my own prints. I also cut my garments in a way that would add an interesting shape to them.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the garments I have created on the catwalk.”

Zathew’s collection is inspired by ancient Greek costumes but also has an injection of modern features.

Zathew, 26, said: “Ancient Greek costumes were very plain and undecorated so elements of my work are very natural, simple and practical. My designs also incorporate modern ideas which make them versatile, elegant and fluid.

“My collection focuses on dresses and jumpsuits with complicated handmade detailing and a digital print design. I think the pieces look great dressed up with heels or work with flat shoes for a more laid back look.”

Karen Millen said: “It’s been a joy to participate in the selection for DMU’s catwalk show and to witness the enthusiasm and excitement emerge from a new generation of designers.”

Julie King, Head of Fashion at DMU, said: “We’re delighted that Karen Millen helped us select the best of our students’ work to showcase on the catwalk.”

Nicky Leung and Zathew Zheng who's designs will feature at London's Graduate Fashion Week (Photo: Business Wire)

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