Sarah is travelling to Fujian Province on 28th November to represent the UK at the event, where her designs will be judged at the highest level against 13 other finalists from around the world.
The International Design Competition is SDC’s annual flagship contest, engaging with hundreds of students, universities and designers globally. This year’s theme was Colour and Nature, and the final takes place as part of an international conference, Colouring the Future – A Sustainable Development of the Fashion Industry.
It was Sarah’s 1930’s-inspired red carpet evening gown that caught the eye of the judges in the national final, which took place in York back in May. The stunning full-length garment, which Sarah designed and produced herself from scratch, is made from a crepe material and scattered with brightly coloured flowers, animals and insects, including chameleons, ladybirds, butterflies and monkeys.
“I’m so excited. It’s an honour to be representing my college and the UK in a subject I’m passionate about. Whatever the outcome, I’m thrilled and I hope I can do everyone proud. Looking back over the last year, I can’t quite believe it as it’s been so amazing. It felt like a risk to go back into education as a mature student, but my lecturers have been so encouraging and supportive. Without them I wouldn’t have got this far.”
Sarah GotheridgeThe 46-year-old from Mickleover in Derbyshire has just graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) Art & Design (Fashion) degree at Nottingham College, and has now progressed to a Masters at Nottingham Trent University.
“From creative design through to manufacture, Sarah astonished both teaching staff and the judges of the SDC competition by her concepts, design ability, eye for colour and quality of sketchbooks and finished pieces.She has worked incredibly hard, achieved an exceptional body of work and served as an outstanding ambassador, both for the course and for the College. We are all excited to see how far she gets, although even just to experience showcasing her work on an international stage will be thrilling!”
Nottingham College Art & Design BA (Hons) Course Leader, Liz LiborAlongside her studies, Sarah also makes handmade lavender bags for Kew Gardens and runs a successful online business selling unique vintage bags and purses.
