Images show Top: Line and Colour Specs and Bottom: Photoshoot of Fashion Design work by Bethan Murphy

Bethan Murphy

Bethan is a Fashion Designer. She writes about herself: "from an extremely early age I have been fascinated by fashion and all the wonders it entails. I have had many influences throughout my years. I first started realising my passion when I was in school and all I could think of was how I could alter my uniform and where I was going to shop at the weekend. I was lucky as a child to have been my grandmother's muse and was always dressed immaculately, with only the best choice of clothes.

I first started my studies of fashion at college in Banbury. This is where I first started to realise who I was as a Designer. It was there I first heard about the Trust, through a family friend. I was put forward to be awarded a grant, which couldn't have come at a better time. I used the money to pay for a college trip to New York, where I visited some inspirational places; that in turn gave me the confidence to exhibit my final project. The result helped me massively with my application to university.

In deciding where to study, I chose Northampton University. The course was both interesting and exciting. The first year was all about learning new things and exploring all options in fashion, being Textiles, Footwear & Accessories and everything in between. It was here I realised my passion for footwear and I changed to specialise in Footwear & Accessories.

I still have a love of fashion but knew I needed to explore the world of footwear and expand my knowledge. My final collection was based on folded paper, not Origami, it was the pleats and lines that interested me from folding paper. This as a concept was not foreign to me, I had been given it as a project in College, where we made dresses out of paper. This time I was taking that idea into footwear, the transition was a massive learning curve. I would not limit myself to just a footwear designer.

I am both fascinated by fashion, footwear and accessory design. I am currently making the most of my time back at home, working in a Boutique, which allows me to be creative in different ways. And frequently helping at fashion shows for numerous Designers, which keeps me in touch with the fashion world and open to the fast paced, wonderful world".

Bethan will be exhibiting some of her Fashion Design work and other creations, which will also be available for purchase, in the Foyer at the Pegasus Theatre during the Showcase.

10th Anniversary Showcase Performers - 22nd September 2013, Pegasus Theatre, Oxford.