Fashion designer Debbie Wingham is working with patients at Alder Hey and students at The City of Liverpool College to help them create a collection of designs to feature on The Very Big Catwalk.

The event, on July 4, is part of Liverpool’s Transatlantic 175 weekend and hopes to break a world record for the greatest number of people on a catwalk.

Debbie, designer of the world’s most expensive diamond dress, is working with the aspiring young designers during a series of workshops in the run up to the celebrations.

Items created by the City of Liverpool College students, aged 17 to 45, include spectacular outfits for them to wear on The Very Big Catwalk.

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And they will all be accessorised with bold and bright ‘Duct Tape Mache’ handbags, headpieces, necklaces and belts, created by youngster’s at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Not only will the Liverpool students parade their designs on the city’s giant runway on July 4, but they will also join Debbie at London Fashion Week in September, where they will get to model their creations at the world-famous fashion event.

Debbie Wingham said: “I love fashion and I adore working with children – I have three of my own.

“So it’s extremely rewarding to be able to combine two of my greatest passions and pass on my experience and knowledge to the next generation of young designers.

“The young people of Liverpool are extremely talented and have come up with some absolutely amazing designs. Who knows, you may indeed have the next Giorgio Armani or Donatella Versace in your midst.

“I’m sure the city will be very proud to see what their youngsters have created and that their designs will light up the runway on July 4.”

The workshops are part of the designer’s creative academy, Future of Fashion, which aims to help youngsters learn new creative skills and gain confidence through a series of design activities. Pupils learn skills including upcycling, template and pattern-making skills, design and mood-board techniques.

Fashion design student Poppy Chantler, 19, said: “Debbie was so encouraging and friendly. She gave us all great advice, not just on our designs, but also how to break into such a tough industry like fashion.

“I loved working in such a fast-paced way as we had to design and create a red carpet gown in only two days, so it was nerve-wracking, but incredibly exciting at the same time and everyone came up with a variety of great garments and I can’t wait to showcase mine with Debbie during London Fashion Week!”

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