New fashion talent gets chance in east London event

RUNWAY MODEL: Fashion from last year's show

A FASHION show aiming to put black designers on the map will be taking place on Brick lane, east London this Saturday (July 20).
Shaqueen Wilson, 24, from Canning Town, east London, started up Born 2 Strut in 2012 with some friends after noticed the lack of opportunities for black fashion designers in the UK.
Explaining how she came up with the idea, Wilson said: “An inspiring moment had taken place in my life when I had a fashion crisis during the weeks of my daughter christening.
"I sought a family friend for help and in less than a week I designed and she created my ideal dress. This opened my eyes to the abundance of undiscovered talent in the area of black fashion that may be out there.”
The project will feature four up-and-coming designers showcasing 15 outfits from each of their collection.
Wilson added: “After a trial show last year, I decided to go bigger this year with designers like Mary Martin London, Nathan, Nita and Diana (a university student doing her first ever showcase).
"Born 2 Strut wants to open doors for black fashion because I do believe there are so many hidden talents out there.”