Graduate designs for Dorothy Perkins

Former Central Saint Martins student Olivia Rubin has designed a new clothing collection for Dorothy Perkins that landed in stores on April 25.

Olivia launched her first womenswear line in 2007 after graduating from university. Her focus for her debut high street line was to create a “relaxed summer wardrobe.” The unique collection ranges from mini dresses with floral prints, to peplum tops and bright pink maxis featuring bird motifs.

Customers and shoppers are to expect “fresh, fun and feminine” outfits, reflecting her signature graphic prints in shades of pink and lilac.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Olivia explained the inspiration behind her work. 

She said: “The high street is so strong at the moment that it made sense to create a more accessible line.”

“I have spent time researching the Dorothy Perkins customer, so I have made the range more versatile by mixing bright colours with neutrals and blacks and made silhouettes timeless classics,” she added.

Olivia admits that she doesn’t like sticking to fashion rules and most of her success has been the result of experimenting. Next season will see her introduce a fresher vibe to the chain as she launches an Autumn/Winter collection.

Olivia worked at John Galliano and Alexander McQueen after graduating from her course, where she assisted with Galliano’s main line collections designing prints that were chosen for one his womenswear lines.

Two of Olivia’s collections were short-listed for the Fashion Fringe Award Scheme and gave her the platform to exhibit her designs at London Fashion Week.

Former LCC student nominated for Asian woman award

A former LCC student has been has been nominated as one of the most inspirational Asian women in the country.

 Tasnim Nazeer, of Walton Avenue, South Harrow, is on the shortlist in the media category of the Asian Woman of Achievement Awards for her freelance work and human rights journalism.

 The 25-year-old, who attended the university back in 2007 on the BA Journalism course, has written articles for CNN, The Huffington Post, Business Media Group and Islamic Finance Magazine.

  She has covered issues such as promoting interfaith understanding and global finance and has done enough to be noticed by judges, alongside BBC journalists and authors.

  In addition to this, Tasnim is also busy raising three young children, Aleena, four, Amran two, and five-month-old Aamil. Her husband, Alfath, works as a doctor in Northampton.

 She said: “As a mother of three, life can be a balancing act.  I think that if you organise your time effectively, have good organisation skills and avoid procrastinating, you can most definitely get everything done in the day.”

 She continued: “It can be hectic but I have learnt to try to manage my time effectively and having the support from my husband has really helped. As a journalist, meeting deadlines are important and shows professionalism.”

 Tasnim reflects on her time at LCC very positively and said that it has greatly enhanced her successful career. She said: “LCC was an extremely beneficial platform in preparing me for the reality of life as a journalist.”

 “I thoroughly enjoyed my time there as it enabled me to develop my skills of writing and meet some really inspiring individuals,” she continued.

 “The lecturers at the university have always been very supportive and I believe they are the true driving force in spurring talent forward. LCC provided a platform for me to nourish my writing and I am sure that it will continue to be pave the way for many other aspiring journalists."

  In addition to her successful journalism career, Tasnim has also just finished writing a children’s novel and is currently seeking a publisher. She admits that she is delighted to have been recognised for all her hard work.

 “I am really honoured to have been shortlisted amongst such high calibre journalists and I don't have any expectations of winning at all. I am just happy to have been able to share a space on the shortlist with such inspiring individuals,” she said.

 The achievement award results, which were last year attended by Prince Charles and Camilla, will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 16 at the London Hilton hotel.