A FORMER Worcester student has made her big break in the fashion world with an exciting deal with social media giant TikTok.

Former RGS pupil Lauren Broome, who attended the school between 2009 and 2016, graduated from the University of East London in fashion design, signing a deal to design merchandise garments for TikTok after completing her studies.

She said: “During my final year at university, we were tasked with creating two merchandise designs for TikTok, which we could enter into a competition – a collaboration between Graduate Fashion Week and TikTok.

"I was one of the winners and I took part in a week’s residency where I manufactured my winning design, alongside taking part in industry-led seminars and talks.

"During the week, I produced six of my pleated top designs as well as an extra two tops from left-over fabric.

"On the final day, we presented our designs to Henry Holland and Hilary Alexander; it was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment.

"One of the other highlights was getting to know the other winners – after the first lockdown and leaving university without finishing the way we originally planned, the week was an incredible end to my time at university."

RGS head of textiles Jo Bishop said she was thrilled to hear of Lauren's success, adding: "We are thrilled to hear of Lauren’s recent success both with her TikTok project and at the prestigious Graduate Fashion Week; both significant achievements in the fashion world and we are incredibly proud of her.

"Some of our Lower Sixth students will be visiting the event this year, and Lauren is such an inspiration as they aim to follow her pathway, studying Fashion Design at university.”

Looking ahead to the future, Lauren added: “I’m currently working in London and graduating into a pandemic wasn’t quite on my list of considerations.

"My ambition is to work in the industry for a few years, expand my knowledge and skills whilst building up my business to sell my pleated garments."