If you’re looking to become a true fashionista following a degree, then it’s certainly achievable with a good eye for style – as one fashion graduate recently proved. Zainab Vandu-Chikolo, of Middlesex University, was crowned the winner of a high-profile TV competition show that saw her make an outfit for music star Rihanna, who would go on to wear it at a live concert in front of 65,000 people in London.
The 23-year-old was handpicked by Rihanna in Styled to Rock, after starting out as one of the final 12 designers in the ten-week series on Sky Living. In each programme the designers were briefed by a celebrity on their requirements and style and then had three days to design and create a bespoke and innovative outfit for the star to wear to a high profile event, which included live performances, photo shoots and red-carpet events.
The show was hosted by top British designer Henry Holland and Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, with Rihanna serving as executive producer.
Top celebrities that Zainab worked with included Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry, Rizzle Kicks, Tinchy Stryder, The Scissor Sisters, Pixie Lott, Little Mix and Little Boots. Zainab, an Middlesex University graduate in 2010, was successful throughout the competition and even won the first challenge after designing an outfit for Kanye West.
Zainab reached the final three and were told to create the outfit for Rihanna at the Wireless concert, her biggest live London gig. She closely studied the star’s style, performances and stage set and made a black and gold peacock two-piece outfit, as well as jewellery, silk and fringing.
She said: “I brought one of the outfits that I created for my final year project to the auditions and was honoured to even be selected by Rihanna for the show, let alone go on to win the competition. For the final designers left at the end of the series, it felt like such a long wait for her to appear on stage at the Wireless concert. I was completely stunned when she came out in my outfit and went crazy! I don’t normally cry, but burst into tears when she walked out in my piece.”
Commenting on her experience at university, the winner highlighted the importance of her education and understanding during her hard work on TV. “I learnt lots of new techniques in my fashion course at Middlesex, which helped me to be creative while sticking to the brief for each show,” she said. “The competition was an incredible experience and working with a star as big as Rihanna was fun as she was laid back and pretty normal.”
This is a guest post.
