She also wanted to get over the message of recycling, making use of old army sleeping bags, camouflage netting, parachutes and sheepskin in her designs. Accessories included feathers, spears, even a headdress made from bath-plug chains! 'People say, "Why do you have to be so outrageous designing for the catwalk? No one would ever wear that." But you do need to have a strong image and the pieces can be deconstructed, so you choose certain elements from it.'

More than 1,000 students from 37 colleges showed their work in London this June, and Andi was among a shortlist of 40 who attended the gala night. She roped in four friends representing a range of cultures to model her collection, but unfortunately wasn't able to see them strutting their stuff as she was frantically working away backstage.

'There were 15 awards and this category was the last to be announced. I hadn't even thought about winning anything, so when they called my name I couldn't believe it, I was jumping up and down!'

Andi's achievement is even more impressive when you consider she's dyslexic: 'I really struggle with the written word, but feel the visual medium is so much more expressive anyway,' she says. 'I think if you desperately want to do something, you can… if you put your heart and soul into it you'll find a way.'

Though her win has sparked lots of interest, Andi's keeping her options open for the future, but hot favourite is going on to do an MA.

'Me winning this award has shown it's not only big London colleges that can make it,' she adds. 'I'm just a normal girl from Crewe, and if I can do it, anyone can!'

— Mary Zdankowicz