YOURS Charity shop to catwalk for Tobias

TOBIAS Malfoy has won the Cardiff Fashion Week designer challenge in partnership with Ty Hafan.

Tobias, 21, who graduated from the University of South Wales recently with a degree in fashion design, responded to the organisers of Cardiff Fashion Week to transform a bag of charity shop clothes into a collection fit for the catwalk.

Aspiring designers from across South Wales took part and presented their creations to a panel of judges from Cardiff Fashion Week, Ty Hafan’s Emporium Vintage Charity Shop and the University of South Wales.

Tobias’ black corseted top and trousers with padded panelling, intricate copper eyelets and ribbon ties took the top spot and will now be shown at Cardiff Fashion Week and sold off with the proceeds going to Ty Hafan.

His design, along with the others submitted as part of the challenge, will also feature in a live shop window at Emporium in Cardiff on Saturday, October 21 in the run up to Cardiff Fashion Week which takes place from October 28–November 4.

Thrilled with his win, Tobias, who is originally from Llanelli but now lives in Cardiff, is hoping to get noticed by independent retailers.

All his designs are made from his home studio in Cardiff Bay through his start-up business, Tobias Malfoy, which is supported by The Prince’s Trust.

Tobias said: “I’ve loved this challenge, it has really encouraged me to stretch my design capabilities and do something I’ve never done before.

“At times, I found it very difficult but didn’t give up and am really pleased with the end result.

“The aesthetic is true to my brand, but has been created in a far more inventive way.”

See Tobias’ designs at the Cardiff Fashion Week catwalk shows on Saturday, November 4 at Cardiff Masonic Hall.

Further information about all Cardiff Fashion Week events and activities are be found online at www.visitcfw. co.uk