A FASHION design student born in Worcester has been showcasing her unique work created using flags and sails.

Alexandra Willcock, 22, from the St Stephens area of Worcester, recently displayed her collection at the University of Gloucester’s annual fashion show, held in Cheltenham.

Miss Willcock’s collection is produced from the recycled cloth used on sailboats. The typography and numbering on the sails were the inspiration behind the idea, and the individuality of each design highlights the uniqueness of sustainability in fashion.

Before leaving Worcester for university, Miss Willcock studied fashion and textiles, graphic design and sports science at Christopher Whitehead Language College.

Miss Willock described her collection saying: “It is a true reflection of who I am now. Each piece carries a personal touch and a meaningful story.

“The theme of sailing has been a constant in my family’s life. I chose to create a collection using sails, a material rich in history and purpose.

“Sails are timeless, their function unchanged, yet they carry the beauty of age and experience.

“By repurposing sails, I have crafted a collection that is not only sustainable but also deeply personal.”

Sailing has been a big part of Miss Willcock’s life since she was young: “I was 7 when I began learning to sail at Barnt Green Sailing Club in Birmingham.

“Sailing is a keen interest in my family, from my grandparents to my own parents.

“We love being out on the water and by the sea, it has created a lot of special memories.”

Now she has graduated, Miss Willcock is returning to home to start her career: “My plan is to find a job within the fashion industry, working for a brand that has similar values to me as a designer, such as sustainability.

“I will definitely continue with the theme of sustainability; it was a key concept and has allowed me to create such unique and authentic pieces of clothing that you don’t see constantly.”

But there are plans for a future with her own name brand: “At university, we created our own brand based on our collections and I am very keen of one day having my own brand that specialises in sustainability, especially upcycling sailcloth.”