A BRIGHTON teenager learned to sew when he was just five and started designing and making his own fashion line when he was only 12.

Isaac Raymond was bullied for being autistic but he has turned his different way of thinking into catwalk fashion shows attended by hundreds.

He admitted he wouldn’t be the designer he is today without Aspergers syndrome.

Isaac said: “I think it’s helped me so much.

“It’s a way I can show I am good at something and that I can do what I want.

“The designs let me express who I am and all the dresses have stories and a theatrical element behind them.

“Through this, I’ve definitely grown in confidence.”

Isaac told how he has a “really small spare room” with a mannequin and a sewing machine.

He said: “It’s nice to be somewhere I can call my own and it’s away from the world.

“It’s a place where I feel I can express myself and work towards my collection.”

Isaac had a light bulb moment when he realised designing was his outlet.

He said: “In late 2010 I started doing sketches, and it was the first time I had ever felt I was really good at something. And it was also the first time anyone other than my family started telling me what I was doing was really good.”

The youngster did his first catwalk in 2011 with 20 dresses at the age of 13 and has gone from strength to strength.

His dream is to become a haute couture designer, and has urged anyone who finds themselves in the situation he was in at 10 years old to pursue their dreams.

Isaac added: “Stick to what you want to do and don’t listen to anybody who tells you that you can’t do it.

“If it’s something you feel strongly about and something you’re good at it – go for it."

For more information, visit isaacraymondfashion.co.uk