Sportswear Design Student Wins International Award

Marina Smith, third year student on BA(Hons) Sportswear Design, has won first place in the Beachwear category at The Link; an industry award that's part of the MarediModa trade show, held annually at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

She submitted a collection of four swimwear outfits in Easter 2018, during her second year on the course.

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BA(Hons) Sportswear Design

The competition finalists were invited to Cannes for MarediModa, an international event dedicated to beachwear, lingerie and athleisure fabrics. The opportunity gave Marina an incredible opportunity to showcase her work to leading fashion professionals and to take advantage of industry networking opportunities.

Describing her experience at the trade show, Marina said: "Cannes was such an amazing experience! I met so many influential people within the industry and felt so privileged to be a part of such a prestigious trade show. I had my own stand at the show, along with the other finalists from the competition, and we were all given a professional photoshoot for our collections and a catwalk followed by a cocktail party where the winners were announced."

Marina added:

I can't believe I won – I literally have not stopped smiling since I found out!"

John Boddy, Head of Fashion Design, encouraged Marina to apply. Marina said: "[He] has been so supportive of me throughout the whole process. I was the only person from Falmouth to enter and he helped me right from the start to get a strong portfolio together and advise me on areas I was initially unsure of. Doing an extra project alongside my degree has been very stressful at times so I can't thank him enough for helping me out as much as he did – even if it was just giving reassurance when anything went wrong!"

Marina is now focussing on her third year final work, but hopes that winning the award will lead to more great opportunities and a successful fashion career.