A young graduate from Middlesex University in Hendon has set up her own fashion business – with a twist.

Huyen Dao Thanh, 23, from Finchley, is hoping her unique range of handmade bow ties will set her on the road to entrepreneurial success.

She graduated this month with a degree in advertising, PR and media and is already making waves in the business world with her innovative start-up venture, Blow Ties.

Each bow tie is a real statement piece, with Huyen using striking materials including zips, rainbow fabric, gold studs and animal prints.

“It’s a concept for those who dare to stand out,“ says Huyen, “for those not afraid to be different, for those courageous souls who everyone else aspires to be.“

Huyen was born in Moscow and grew up in Bucharest. Her parents are originally from Vietnam and this is where she sources her unusual fabrics from – many of them can’t be found in the UK and this adds exclusivity to her designs.

The young fashionista has already begun to sell her creations at London’s trendy Brick Lane market and online, and her business is expanding as she prepares to start trading at the Old Spitalfields Market as well.

“Blow Ties challenges the fashion industry with handmade products that promise quality, durability, and sense of aesthetics,“ Huyen continues. “It stands for the generation that thinks on its own, and the small ideas that can have a big impact.“