From Encouragement to Collaboration: Supporting a Student Designer’s First Runway Show
Returning to the University of Leicester, where I once walked the halls as a law student, felt surreal, but this time, I came back wearing a different hat: as the founder of a jewellery brand.
Back in March, I was invited to speak on a panel at the School of Business, a chance to share my story, encourage students, and reflect on my journey from law to entrepreneurship. After the panel, a student came up to me, full of energy and passion. He introduced himself and told me he wanted to start designing clothes and that it had always been his dream.
I remember smiling and telling him to stay connected with me, that I’d love to support him however I could. And he did.
A few months later, we found ourselves working together on a fashion show collaboration hosted by We Create, a student-led collective that brings together artists, designers, and performers to showcase their talent. He invited me to be part of his vision, and I sponsored the jewellery for his runway looks.
His theme, "Anti-Bride," was bold, emotional, and stunningly styled. We sat down and curated pieces from my collection that would complement his designs, jewellery that felt just as daring and expressive as his concept. Seeing Armour Femme on the runway, styled with such intention, was incredibly rewarding.
But what moved me the most wasn’t just the show. It was everything that happened behind the scenes.
Backstage, I met so many young creatives, stylists, models, artists, who reminded me of myself not long ago. Ambitious, curious, wide-eyed, and full of dreams. Some of them asked about my brand, how I started, how I built it while juggling other responsibilities. Others just wanted to connect, to share ideas, to talk about what fashion meant to them. Their excitement was contagious.
In those chaotic moments backstage, in between outfit alterations and runway cues, I felt deeply connected to something bigger than fashion. This was about community. About uplifting youth. About showing up as a woman of colour, an entrepreneur, and someone who believes that creativity deserves to be nurtured.
This collaboration reminded me that success isn’t always about big stages or perfect moments. Sometimes, it’s about the people you meet, the sparks you create together, and the stories you help tell.
Huge thank you to We Create for inviting me into such a vibrant space, and to Aussart for trusting me with your vision. From a casual conversation after a panel to the runway, it’s been a full circle moment I’ll never forget.
Until the next show.
With love,
Farhana K.