Fashion graduate's design worn by music star Rihanna (From Times Series)

Middlesex University fashion graduate's design worn by music star Rihanna

5:15pm Tuesday 20th November 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

A fashion graduate has been crowned winner of a television series competition which saw her tailor-made outfit worn by music star Rihanna.

Middlesex University graduate Zainab Vandu-Chikolo, 23, beat off competition from 12 other designers in the programme, Styled to Rock.

In each episode the designers were briefed by a celebrity on their style. They then had three days to design and create a bespoke and innovative outfit for the star to wear to a high profile event which included live performances, photo shoots and red-carpet events. 

For the final Zainab studied Rihanna’s style, performances and stage set, before creating a black and gold peacock two-piece outfit incorporating jewellery, silk and fringing.

Rihanna chose to wear Zainab's design at a concert in front of 65,000 people in London.

Zainab said: “I was completely stunned when she came out in my outfit and I went crazy. I don’t normally cry, but burst into tears when she walked out in my piece.”