Fashion student Chevon Blanc holding a bag and surrounded by colourful clothes she designed
Fashion student Chevon Blanc holding a bag and surrounded by colourful clothes she designed

Fashion student wows with clothes for superstar Emeli Sandé

Introduction

From Heathrow check-in desk to online fame, a design student and mum is already making her mark on the fashion world after one of her very first creations took centre stage in Emeli Sandé’s latest music video.  

Despite a lifelong passion for design, Chevon Blanc had never made a piece of clothing until she was in her 30s when she decided to enroll onto the BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles course at the University of West London (UWL).

Two years later, working on a course project by guest lecturer and designer, Samson Soboye she created a collection of pieces so eye-catching they were chosen to feature in his London boutique where they caught the eye of British music star Emeli Sandé.

Colourful clothes designed by fashion student Chevon Blanc displayed on mannequins in shop window

Chevon said:

I just couldn’t believe it. Designing the pieces was all about meeting the course brief and handing in on time – I had no idea where my collection would end up.

Samson was so impressed with my work he said he could display it, then I got a message saying Emeli Sandé had bought it.  

Apparently she was walking past the shop one evening and saw the jacket in the window. She loved it and came back the next morning to buy it, as well as a jumper from my collection.

In what was an even bigger shock than selling to one of her icons, Chevon then spotted her pieces -  created as a fusion of gaming and Egyptian themes – reaching millions of fans in social media posts by the singer, and even in her new music video, Family.

Chevon – who worked as a check-in agent at Heathrow before deciding to study fashion, said:

I was already floored that Emeli Sandé owned something I had made at a stage when fashion career has barely started.

Then I saw the jacket flash up on a promo video for her new single, and she started posting pictures of her wearing my jumper to promote an interview she did with Jools Holland.

It was bombshell after bombshell, this whole experience has been so amazing. I feel completely overwhelmed with is, but so incredibly grateful I was given these opportunities.

I have always loved fashion and designed a few bits for my daughter which I had made, but making garments only really started three or four years ago when I began studying at UWL.

The fashion course has been amazing. At 34–years-old with two children this journey has not always been easy but I am so happy I did it. I’ve been able to achieve something so special so early on.

The fashion and textiles staff at UWL are amazing, and for anyone thinking about joining this course, at UWL don’t think just go for it.

More information

A fashion designer at a laptop

London School of Film, Media and Design

Find out more about studying at UWL's London School of Film, Media and Design.