Jessica's Blog

A PROMISING fashion designer has been handed her biggest break to date after being given the chance to exhibit at London Fashion Week.

Leonora Asomanin, who has lived in Brentwood since the age of two, will be showcasing a collection of ten designs influenced by Japanese folk tales at the huge event next month.

The 22-year-old, who lives in Claughton Way, Hutton, is one of a handful of designers from across the world who will showcase her designs at the Emerging Trends Europe show on September 13.

With hundreds of industry professionals in the audience, the runway show will not only serve to launch the next generation of fashion luminaries but designers like Leonora are set to gain invaluable experience and exposure to sponsors and buyers.

Leonora was a student at Hutton All Saints Primary School and Shenfield High School before going onto study at Brentwood Ursuline in the sixth form.

She then completed a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at London College of Fashion before studying for a degree in fashion and textiles with enterprise at the University of Portsmouth.

Looking ahead to the show, Leonora, who graduated last month, said: "They promote new designers and so before I graduated they contacted me and asked would I like to be part of the show showcasing ten of my outfits."

Although she has not started selling her designs, Leonora has established label La Mo Designs and is also selling handmade accessories under her brand Lilo's Butterfly Boutique.

Her inspiration for the Emerging Trends Show has come from a Japanese folk story that is called Urashima Taro and the Turtle.

She added: "The collection visually retells the story of a fisherman who delved into the mystical metallic underwater palace in the deep barrier reef.

"I wanted to start my own label as a unique designer and bring something else to it. I am someone who is influenced by culture and has done stuff on the African culture.

"I've done stuff on Asian and British culture and I am also inspired by nature and architecture.

"I like to bring a cultural and architectural way to the fashion industry."

Leonora added: "In the next three years I want to have my own fashion label that people can gain an interest in from the future shows."

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