A CUTTING edge designer has received a major accolade from the one of the region’s top fashion retailers.

Cleveland College of Art & Design ED Fashion & Clothing student Sami Hogg was presented with the young designer of the year award by Paolo Capaldi, marketing manager of multi-award winning department store Psyche, for her outstanding second year final major project work.

The young designer also picked up a gift voucher for the fashion emporium on Linthorpe Road,Middlesbrough, as well as the opportunity to show her work in one of the store’s exclusive window displays for two weeks.

“I was really blown away to get the award,” said Sami, 17, of Darlington.

“I got quite nervous when the judges were walking towards my work, as they were about to announce the winner, but I still didn’t think it would be me.

“The award on its own is incredible enough but to have the opportunity to display my clothes in Psyche’s window is just amazing.”

Sami’s designs, which included a tailored skirt and waistcoat and a ruffled tweed and striped satin dress with net underskirt, received unanimous praise from fellow judges, senior ladies wear buyer at Psyche Helen Oliver and The Northern School of Art’s head of further education Margaret Mineham, MBE.

“Sami’s garments immediately caught my eye and there was a real wow factor about them which is essential in high fashion,” said Helen.

“From the construction to the choice of material there was a strong concept throughout and her work showed real inspiration and logic.

“Although her competition piece was designed for the catwalk it was easy to see how it could be made more commercial and very saleable.”

Course Leader of the ED in Fashion & Clothing; Naomi Austin added “Sami is possibly one of the most independent young designers we have had on our course.

“We just give her the direction and she just goes off and does it and she never settles for second best.

“Sami likes to experiment and never goes for the safe option and this has really paid off for her with these designs.”

The Psyche Young Designer Award, which is to be given annually, has further strengthened the association that the college has built with the clothing store both at college and university level.

The Northern School of Art graduate Chris Plackett recently collected the Psyche Graduate Award for the most promising young designer of 2012 at the college’s graduate fashion week ceremony at MiddlesbroughTown Hall.

And fellow ex-fashion students Rachel Charnock and Rachel Galloway have also received training and display opportunities within the store.

Paolo added: “For a long time we have wanted to get involved with the college’s annual summer show to show our support.

“This award recognises the immense talent that we have in our region and acknowledges the incredible work that The Northern School of Art is doing in creating such amazing young designers.”