The latest winner of a sought-after fashion award for local students launched in memory of a highly regarded Dudley man has been announced.
The Roy Pedley Award was launched by his family in 2018 in tribute to the much-loved former Rotary Club of Dudley president.
Roy was a widely respected textiles expert, Rotarian and local magistrate, who passed away in 2017 aged 89. Shortly after he passed away, his family launched the award to showcase the work of the brightest fashion, design and textile students in the area.
This year’s award, which includes a £550 bursary, has been won by former Dudley College student Hatty Westwood, with the 18-year-old impressing judges with her 1.4 metre fabric creation, intricately made from a fishing net, recycled plastic, wild plants and embroidered natural materials. The design is part of Hatty’s ambition to promote a better environment, the dangers the world’s animals face, and the role recycled materials can play in the textiles industry.
Roy’s son Andrew Pedley said: “We’ve said over the years how hugely popular Dad was across the Black Country, but especially in Dudley and Tipton where he gave so much time for charity and young people. Alongside his community work and his role as a magistrate, he also had a long career in the textiles industry.
“This year we’re marking the sixth year of the Award and it has become an honour for talented local students at Dudley College to aim for. It always has and always will be a way to showcase the brightest fashion and textile students in the Black Country and Hatty really stood out this year. Her vision to push more sustainable thinking in the textiles industry really impressed the judges.
“She has a huge future ahead and I’d like to congratulate her once again.”
Hatty will be using the £550 prize to help finance a university trip to Paris where she will visit a fabric supply exhibition, and to purchase materials for her course.