City and Islington student Nusra will see her ‘fusion’ fashion designs on show at London Fashion Week

Nusra puts the finishing touches on her design ahead of the judging (Image: Archant)

Nusra Njimbere, 17, has been perfecting her designs all summer for charity Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD)’s “Fashion Futures” competition.

After she was shortlisted, she worked with FAD on designs with the brief of “fusion”. It saw the youngsters combine London streetwear with Indian sub-continental style.

At the end of the 10 weeks, the 100 shortlisted youngsters presented their designs to a panel of industry experts, including May Martin, former judge on BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee. The judges then chose 21 finalists.

It’s been a novel experience for Nusra. “I’ve gotten a lot of help, which I really appreciate,” she said.

Nusra works on her design at one of the FAD workshops (Image: Archant)

“This is not something I’m used to.

“For me it’s quite difficult because I’ve never done something that’s required so many pieces.

“It’s been great having so many volunteers here to help.”

Each of the 21 finalists will now get to see their designs paraded down the famous catwalk on September 19, with three runners-up and a winner to be chosen at the end of it. For Nusra, it’s been a real eye-opening experience.

“Fashion Futures has taught me that I need to stop placing boundaries and restricting myself to thinking things have to look a certain way,” she said.

“It’s also taught me that the industry welcomes anyone, as long as you put 100 per cent in. It’s so nice here because everyone’s so different. It’s so interesting looking at everyone’s designs and seeing the diversity. I love it.”