NI schoolgirl on working alongside designer Jimmy Choo: ‘It was crazy sometimes’

Heidi Hutchinson’s designs are now set to be archived in his personal exhibit.

In June, Heidi (18), from Magherafelt, beat thousands of people to win a chance to learn from the fashion designer at his prestigious design school, the JCA London Fashion Academy, this summer.

She won a competition based around creating a design focused on the theme of nature, with a sustainable twist, with Heidi being inspired by her garden at home.

When she spoke to the Belfast Telegraph earlier this summer, Heidi said the opportunity was a “dream come true”.

Having since availed of the mentorship, she has now described the experience, including a one-on-one masterclass with Mr Choo, as unforgettable.

“I went over to London for two weeks, and in the first week we focused on actually making things,” said Heidi, who is a pupil at Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt.

“We drew up lots of fashion illustrations and created mood boards, then we spent a long time upcycling things — particularly using denim, like jackets and old shoes.

“It was so much fun actually making the items.

“Then the second week it was all about our portfolios — creating them, drawing sketches and making sure our portfolios would be just right for the future.”

“I was a lot calmer than I thought I was going to be.

“Everyone was so welcoming; it was a really great experience.

“It was crazy sometimes, working within the JCA, knowing how special it was.

“I learnt so much, hearing from people who work in the industry. [It was also] very valuable.

“Being in London as well was helpful — it felt all very professional.”

Towards the end of her time in London, Heidi got to experience a one-on-one session with the acclaimed Malaysian fashion designer, who perhaps is best known for his eponymous fashion label, Jimmy Choo, which he sold in 2001 for £10m.

He later went on to co-found the JCA in 2021, a London-based fashion university which offers courses in fashion design, pattern making and fashion purchasing.

“[Mr Choo] was not what I expected him to be like,” explained Heidi, who is currently studying for her A-levels while also volunteering at a care home.

“He was shy, but very kind. I just wasn’t expecting him to be like that.

“He was helpful and it was very surreal to be working alongside him and meeting him.”

During the masterclass, Mr Choo taught and walked Heidi through his own process, by drawing a shoe and showing how he would begin and create the design timeline.

“It was really interesting to watch him go through it all,” she said.

“The entire experience was so rewarding and interesting. It definitely has solidified that I want to become a fashion designer when I’m older.

“It gave me a final push for me to decide this is what I want to do.

“I’m still hopefully going to university to study fashion design.

“I actually hope to study at the JCA London Fashion Academy.

“It offers foundation and master’s courses, so I’m definitely looking at it as an option.

“But I’m also looking at other places for fashion design, like Bath and Ulster University as well, of course. I’ll just have to see.”

Although she spent only a short time at the fashion college, Heidi’s work will remain there in a permanent exhibit, as her designs will be displayed at the university.

“It’s amazing to know that my stuff is going to be there,” she commented.

Rainey Endowed School also celebrated its pupil’s success in a post on Facebook, sharing photos of Heidi alongside Mr Choo.

It’s not the first time the school has seen one of its students rise up the ranks in the fashion world.

The school boasts award-winning designer Jonathan Anderson, who is the creative director and founder of JW Anderson and the creative director of Loewe, as a former pupil.

Incidentally, Heidi’s mother Rhonda taught the Magherafelt man art during his time at the school and previously told this newspaper that she knew he had talent and would go on to “great things”.