A TIKTOK star has been hand-picked by a BBC broadcaster to design a bespoke gown for her installation as Chancellor of the University of Bradford next week.
Fashion designer Yashana Malhotra, who has 63,000 followers on the social media platform, was chosen by Anita Rani ahead of the event on March 6.
Rani, who is from Bradford, reached out to Yashana – who is based in Selby – on Instagram.
“This is a really exciting project and a great opportunity to do something different. It’s going to be a celebration of Anita,” said Yashana, 27.
“Anita told me she wanted to work with someone from Yorkshire, of Indian descent.
“She is passionate about supporting other Indian women and, for her, this is an opportunity to give back and support our community.
“She has learned from her experience, now she’s paving the way for others.”
Yashana’s work has appeared in Vogue, and the designer is known for her extravagant, oversized dresses.
She earned a BA in womenswear at the world-famous Central St Martins, London, where top fashion names including Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney honed their art.
Yashana grew up in Delhi, India and moved to the UK at the age of seven.
“My interest in design started because I didn’t see much I liked on the high street. I would add a few bits and pieces to customise my clothes,” she said.
“It blossomed into making my own outfits, and that spiralled into making a whole wardrobe full of clothes.
“I bought a sewing machine, and it was a case of trial and error. Even now, I’ll cut something out and put it together hoping the holes are in the right place. Practice makes perfect.”
Anita Rani said: "I’m a huge fan of Yashana’s work and her creativity. She’s a walking work of art.
"It’s really important that I’m able to give this opportunity to a recent graduate, to highlight her brilliant talent and celebrate another Yorkshire lass.
“I’ll be honoured to wear her creation as my Chancellor's gown. It’s going to be very special."
Yashana added: “We want it to be really fun, with a new perspective on the traditional gown, while also paying homage and respect to it.
“It’s going to be fantastic to see my work on the university stage, with such an inspiring person wearing it.
“I would love to think my gown might inspire future generations to feel empowered.”
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