A TEENAGE fasionista who was inspired by his experiences of bullying and autism is making his catwalk debut at the Brighton Fringe Festival.

Isaac Raymond, 17, from Hurstpierpoint, learned to sew when he was just five-years-old and is a fast rising star on the country’s fashion scene.

He launched his first clothing line when he was 12-years-old and will make his Fringe Festival debut this weekend - something he said was a milestone in his career.

The City College Brighton and Hove student said: “As soon as I could walk I would refuse to go out unless I was in fancy dress and now that has transformed in a different way into my own unique style.

“Clothes for me are a way of expression and I personally do not have a certain style – I use and manipulate them to show how I am feeling.”

The show at Artista Studio in Waterloo Street will showcase examples from his Wizard of Oz collection as well as his latest Revolution of Bravery collection.

It has already been given the seal of approval by top industry figure Josef Jammerbund – head of events at The British Fashion Council.

The new dresses are inspired by overcoming mental health problems and are about “empowering” people to stand up to bullying.

Mr Raymond said: “Having autism played a part for the collection and in a way was inspiration as it is something to do with the mind and the feelings it can make your feel.

“Some of the dresses go up and cover the head to show the idea of being in darkness.” He added he took inspiration from a variety of designers he discovered by watching Lady Gaga videos.

Along with the show an exhibition of his designs prepared by Brighton-based photographer Alexander Voodoo.

Mr Voodoo praised the designer’s work and tipped the youngster as destined for big things - saying “he is going to be amazing”.

Emma Harrington, City College’s visual arts curriculum team leader, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the progress that Isaac has been making this year. He’s clearly passionate about his studies, has demonstrated that he’s highly committed and has been a pleasure to teach.”

The collection will be on show at Arista Studio on May 23 at 6pm.

Background

ISAAC Raymond first featured in The Argus back in 2011 when he put on a fashion show for charity.

The youngster used materials such as playing cards, melted vinyls and clocks to give his designs a unique twist as raised money for Children in Need.

He made them with his mother on her sewing machine and also featured when he presented his designs at Lingfield Arts Festival in 2013.

Since then he has taken up an art and design diploma at City College Brighton and Hove.