A BUDDING fashion designer from Radlett is set to see her designs hit the catwalk at the country's most prominent student fashion show. Millie Betito, 22, a final year fashion student at Manchester Metropolitan University, has had her work chosen by a panel of judges for exhibition at Graduate Fashion Week.

Six of Millie's designs will be appearing at the event, which has previously launched the careers of top designers such as Stella McCartney and Christopher Bailey. As well as gaining industry exposure, Millie's designs will also be in the running for the prestigious River Island Gold Award, which carries a £20,000 cash prize.

Millie, who is from Williams Way, Radlett, and a former pupil at the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth, said: “It's every fashion student's dream to show at Graduate Fashion Week and what I've been working towards for the past three years. Some of the world's best known fashion designers launched their careers there and it's an amazing opportunity to have my collection seen by some of the most important people in the industry.”

“Journalists and fashion scouts from across the globe attend the event and previous students have been snapped up by fashion houses including Donna Karan, Gucci and Calvin Klein. I can't wait.”

Following her appearance at Graduate Fashion Week, Millie, from Williams Way, plans to gain experience in the fashion industry, with the long term aim of gaining a Masters degree and setting up her own fashion label.

Graduate Fashion Week takes place at Earls Court from June 6 to June 10. Millie's designs will be appearing on Tuesday, June 8.