Fashion designer Kirsty Doyle launches a search for young designers of the future

Liverpool fashion designer Kirsty Doyle has launched a search to find the industry’s new young stars – and the prize is amazing!

The Kirsty Doyle Club, which is her newly-launched educational platform for young people, has teamed up with Randox Grand National to create a Young Designer of the Future competition.

The competition is open to anyone aged eight to 18 who loves fashion and feels inspired to create a look that fits the brief A Day at the Races.

There’ll be two categories, for primary and secondary school age, and the winners will not only be invited into Kirsty’s studio, they’ll have their designs made into an outfit that will be shown in John Lewis – and at the Style Awards on Ladies Day at Aintree.

Kirsty says it’s an opportunity for young people to just be themselves, and have the self-confidence boost of creating something they’re really proud of.

“There is no wrong answer, it’s about finding their own true authentic selves, thinking like a fashion designer and just trying something creatively,” she says.

“It’s open to girls and boys in two age categories, just because they are at different skill levels, and we’re really excited that the winning designs are going to be showcased in John Lewis and at the Style Awards. 

“The winners will be able to take their mum or dad, or nan or grandad, into the womenswear department or menswear and go ‘look, that’s my outfit’ which is incredible.”

Kirsty started The Kirsty Doyle Club a couple of months ago after working on the idea since the pandemic.

What was originally intended to empower women entrepreneurs has become something far bigger, which she hopes to take into schools, reinforcing a message of body positivity and diversity, and encouraging a new generation of designers.

She explains: “What we found from speaking to parents and schools is that there is a real need for creative educational classes for 8-18-year-olds so they can learn a skill and also for self-worth and confidence building.

“That ended up shaping the content on the platform so now we’ve got singing, bakery classes, how to thread up a sewing machine, we’ve got business skills, and a podcast where we’ve interviewed female entrepreneurs talking about their journey to success. We’ve also got a creative careers library to give young people that extra support.”

Since she launched The Kirsty Doyle Club x Randox Grand National Young Designer of the Future competition, Kirsty has been going back into schools to tell students all about it.

It’s an opportunity that’s open to all kids, there’s no cost involved, you don’t need to know anyone or have any industry connections, and entries can be either made through schools or individually via email.

The Day at the Races theme is the only specification, there are no other rules, young designers just need to send in a sketch of their races outfit by the closing date of March 29. 

“When we go into schools they’re lit up by it,” says Kirsty. “They are so excited to do this and I absolutely love that. I can’t wait to see what everyone creates.”

To get a downloadable e-book which includes t-shirt designing, business tips, affirmations and competition prizes and rules, email hello@thekdclub.com. 

Follow The KD Club on Instagram here.