Mahawa Keita, originally from Mali, though now lives in Rubery, studied HND Fashion and Textiles with South & City College and the next stop on her journey is to Birmingham City University (BCU) to learn textile design.
Mahawa is one of six people that have been shortlisted for the ‘Emerging Designer of the Year’ at the 2019 Midlands Fashion Awards to be held in Birmingham on the 11th October. She joins fellow South & City student Alex Adams, who has been shortlisted for ‘Young Designer of the Year’.
This is not the first time South & City College have had students shortlisted for this prestigious event and last year, HND alumni student Darren Scott, won the Midland Fashion Awards ‘Emerging Designer’ with his company My Real Cover. The brand specialises in bespoke jackets as well as apparel such as hats and t-shirts.
When she first started with the college, Mahawa only wanted to learn how to sew and make her own clothes. Having seen an advert for an Open Day, Mahawa dropped by to find out more about the courses available and meet the tutors.
“When I came to the Open Day,” Mahawa explained, “I met the staff and they were very friendly, they were very down to earth and welcoming. When they explained the course, I was really impressed. I started at Level 1 and now I’m going to university. I never thought I could go to university”
Through the courses, she has learned so much more than sewing: pattern cutting, embroidery, beading and batik to name just a few.
Mahawa’s ambition is to become a textile designer. Textile designers create two-dimensional designs that can be used, often as a repeat design, in the production of knit, weave and printed fabrics or textile products. They often specialise within two major areas of textiles:
• interiors (upholstery, soft furnishings and carpets)
• fabrics for clothing
We wish Mahawa lots of luck for the upcoming awards and much success at BCU.
South & City College student shortlisted for Midlands Fashion Awards
