Two budding fashion designers have made the finals of a national competition.

Middlesex University students Alexandra Olivier and Rhiannon Wakefield will battle it out at the finals of the 2014 Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) competition in central London today. 

The students have based their designs on a brief about “multisensory fashion”. 

Rhiannon, 22, of Hendon, said: “The theme was unusual and challenging and it's been an exciting and invaluable experience. To be chosen as a finalist by people involved in the industry and to have that validation is very heartening. 

“I am really excited about the finals and to have Alex there with me is fantastic, I'm glad we are going through it together.”

Alexandra, 20, also of Hendon, said: “The inspiration that I based my two looks on were the experience of regaining sight.  Despite people thinking this would be a wholly positive experience, my research showed me that the experience can be overwhelming and difficult.  

“My outfits convey this using various techniques including using layers of fabrics to create distortion. I’ve learnt a lot from the process and I’m looking forward to the finals.”

The students’ designs will be modelled on the runway in front of an industry panel, including representatives from British Vogue magazine.

The winner will be selected by the panel and awarded a £1,000 prize.