UK's Liberty snaps up fabric design by UCA graduate

Angela Johnston, who graduated from BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion & Interiors at UCA Farnham in July, will sell her 'Cracked Ice' design at one of the UK's most prestigious art fabric outlets.

Angela, who is 22 and from Weldon, Northamptonshire, said: "The collaboration came about at New Designers in London, which is the biggest graduate design exhibition in the country.

"Two women came over to look at my work and, after a quick chat, told me that they were from Liberty and that they were very interested in my design - I was absolutely thrilled.

"I couldn't believe that out of over 3,000 students, I was one of two people that they approached to stock a design.

Angela's fabric is dyed with procion reactive dyes and printed with both discharge and pigment print paste.

Liberty are currently testing the design on different fabrics and looking to produce it in a different colourway, ready to be sold in store within the year.

Angela added: "Having the opportunity to work with designers from Liberty means so much to me, not just because it's a chance to sell my work, but because it's such an iconic store."

"This experience has given me more confidence in my work and I'm certain that mentioning Liberty on my CV will no doubt aid my career.

"I'm thankful to UCA for giving me invaluable knowledge, skills and experiences that have enabled me to become a printed textile designer."

While at UCA, Angela's work was displayed in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 'New Beat' International Student Exhibition and she sold designs to Kent and Curwen menswear as part of a 'live' project during the course. Her work was also selected for the Rising Stars exhibition during May 2012 at the New Ashgate Gallery.

Hannah White, course leader BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion and Interiors, said, "We are very proud of Angela's achievements and her strong design skills.

"UCA encourages its students to aim high and gain high-profile commissions during their studies. The Textiles course at UCA Farnham also gives students the opportunity to enter national and international competitions and initiates a variety of live projects within the textile and fashion industry."

Three BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion & Interiors students recently collaborated with local designers Ella Blake to design a London 2012 scarf which is on sale at the British Museum and The Dorchester.

University for the Creative Arts (UCA)