Fashion students’ designs go on Brady Bags’ production line

Fashion design students at Walsall College were given the opportunity to enter an exciting competition in collaboration with Brady Bag, an accessories company based in Walsall.

Peter Wilkes, Managing Director at Brady Bags said “We’ve been working with students from Walsall College for the past three years and every year we’re impressed by the calibre of local talent from the fashion students.”

The live brief was delivered by Peter who outlined for students to design a travel bag that could end up on the production line and be launched to an international market.

Students were briefed to come up with a design aimed at a younger trend conscious market but in keeping with Brady’s trademark style. Students were encouraged to take a risk with their design, and to consider features such as buckles, studs and magnetic locks, as well as the colour burnt orange to fit into their autumn range.

Over 40 students at Walsall College from both Level 3 and HE courses entered the competition, all showcasing their design skills and ideas for an original Brady bag.

Fashion design students Zoe Jones and Leah Hinton were awarded first place, and will have their designs mass produced and sold internationally.

Peter said, “Zoe and Leah showed confidence in their designs. They have taken the brief and designed bags that are not only fresh and current, but complements our bag range beautifully. We’re impressed with the research they have done, and how they were able to tailor the designs to our brand style and target audience.

We’re excited to showcase these designs as part of our range and look forward to working with Walsall College again on our next brief.”

Jaswant Sembhi, Senior Employer Engagement Co-ordinator at Walsall College, said ‘We’re delighted to team up with Brady Bags again this year. Our students gain so many benefits from working alongside industry experts and we hope to continue this relationship with Brady Bags for years to come.’

Walsall College offers a range of Fashion courses to school leavers and adults looking to start a career in the industry.

For more information about enrolling on a course at Walsall College, please call 01922 657000. Or come along to our Open Day on Thursday 22nd November, between 4pm – 8pm.