A FASHION designer from Birkenhead has received a prestigious award for her latest collection.
Melissa-Kate, 24, created her collection, titled Love of Venus Pt.II. while studying at Jimmy Choo’s London Fashion Academy.
In July 2022, during Northern Fashion Week, Melissa-Kate sent her collection down the runway.
Melissa-Kate told the Globe: “I felt so proud. The feedback was unbelievable. I loved that my work was being recognised.”
READ: Birkenhead fashion designer launches new collection at Jimmy Choo show
Since the success of Northern Fashion Week, Melissa-Kate has since received the British Designer Award for her Love of Venus PT.II collection.
Love of Venus PT.II collection by Melissa-Kate (Image: PR)
Speaking of winning the award, Melissa-Kate said: “I couldn't believe it. It's hard to believe I've been awarded such an incredible title.
“I work so hard and forget that rewards can come from that, but it always makes it that much more special when these great things happen.”
She added: “It is an honour to receive this award, especially so close to where I grew up. It’s recognition of all the work I have put into my brand this past year and the personal growth I have experienced since I left my hometown to pursue my dream in London.
Love of Venus PT.II collection by Melissa-Kate (Image: PR)
“I'm honestly just so happy, fashion is such a big part of my life, and being awarded for it just makes me feel so fulfilled.
“It means so much to be recognised as a British Emerging Designer. It is so encouraging at this point in my career. It's given me that motivation to keep aiming higher."
Following this capsule, the designer presented the third part of the collection at JCA’s London Fashion Week show in October, which served as an official launch for her brand.
The 24-year-old designer graduated in October 2022 as part of the first cohort of Fashion Entrepreneurship in Design and Brand Innovation students at the Jimmy Choo Academy in London.
Love of Venus PT.II collection by Melissa-Kate (Image: PR)
With her eponymous brand, the designer brings her personal interests into her design concepts, turning the universe unusual and dark into beautiful creations.
In Melissa-Kate’s words, her label is: “a world where the patriarchy doesn’t exist, influenced by the power of the divine feminine energy through witchcraft and pin-up style, hand crafted by a female for the feminine.”
Each garment is bespoke, as the designer creates Demi couture pieces to embody the brand’s values of giving self-love and confidence to the wearer through the exploration of divine femininity.
The brand specialises in the combination of corsetry and draping, emphasising the female figure through silhouettes and works with leather and satins to add a touch of seduction.