Get to know Manchester contestant ahead of stint on The Great British Sewing Bee
Amateur sewers will hope they've got what it takes to make it to this year's final and ultimately be crowned the champion.
Here's what we know about the Manchester contestant and the new series.
What to Watch explained: 'Kit grew up in Surrey with their parents, brother and sister. In primary school, their mother started teaching their sister to sew sock puppets, so Kit taught themself out of spite.
'Kit then tried to sell their creations at school and got in trouble for trying to start a business! They picked up the hobby again at uni and have since been making a garment every week.
'Kit will often explore a haberdashery and look for the most 'awful' fabrics, on a mission to turn them into something beautiful. Kit also enjoys something (they call) 'pointless fashion', describing this style as 'so camp! Wearing something so utterly useless but looking fabulous'. Kit's 'pointless' concepts range from mesh hoodies to a coat held together with chains.'
Prima explains that Kit now 'lives and works in Manchester'.
If you've not watched the series before, here's how it works, according to What to Watch: 'Each week, the contestants must take part in three challenges: a Pattern Challenge to test their basic dressmaking skills, a Transformation Challenge to assess their creativity, plus a Made To Measure Challenge to create a bespoke garment.
'One contestant's creation is awarded Garment Of The Week by the judges, and another is sent home from the competition.
'The grand final sees the remaining three sewers battle it out to be crowned the winner.'
You can watch the first episode of the 11th series of The Great British Sewing Bee on Tuesday, July 15 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Recommended reading:
Get to know Yaz the Mancunian 'disruptor' entering Love Island for Casa Amor
Film crews back in Bolton town centre for new gripping crime drama
The most popular filming locations across Bolton
Last year, Luke was revealed as the winner of The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 and described their victory as 'absolutely wild'.
Luke, also from Manchester, beat Pascha and Ailsa in the final, which saw contestants tasked with creating opera gloves for the red carpet and transforming decorations into a party garment.
The contestant made it through 10 weeks of sewing challenges to be named Britain's best amateur sewer, winning garment of the week for their loungewear in diva week.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
8 minutes ago
- CNN
‘Something you can move in': How this designer became the go-to for unconventional brides
In the fashion industry, where styles are cyclical and the same trends are repeatedly served up in TikTok and Instagram feeds, coming up with a unique and identifiable look is no small feat. Yet, it's what Danish fashion designer Cecilie Bahnsen has achieved, with puffy sleeves, lace-up details, organza frills and textured jacquard being among the visual signatures of the namesake brand she founded in 2015. For Bahnsen, developing that aesthetic has been an organic process — one that draws from her Scandinavian heritage (she was born and raised in Denmark, just outside of Copenhagen). While she later spent time working with fashion designers Erdem Moralıoğlu in London and John Galliano in Paris, growing up away from traditional fashion capitals enabled Bahnsen to 'really find my voice and creativity,' the 41-year-old designer said over a video call from her studio in Copenhagen. Danish design typically places greater emphasis on functionality and comfort, rather than being form-fitting or cluttered. Those traits can be seen in Bahnsen's work, which is fanciful yet wearable, marking a departure from old ideas of femininity where clothing had to be tight and short (and subsequently uncomfortable). 'The starting point was creating something you could move in, but also something that was easy, that you could just throw on — on a Monday,' Bahnsen explained. That approach, and a liberal use of the color white, has also made the brand a favorite among brides looking for something fashionable yet unconventional to wear to weddings. Indeed, Bahnsen has long expressed a desire for her designs to be worn every day, rather than be cherished and kept for special occasions. For some, it may seem like a big ask, given that the clothes come with a hefty price tag — a long dress with billowy sleeves and an open back costs £3,378 (about $4,487). Ali Fitzgerald, buying manager at online luxury site Net-a-Porter, said that the label continues to appeal to customers 'drawn to an avant-garde yet feminine style, who values craftsmanship and unique designs.' The retailer has stocked the Cecilie Bahnsen label since 2018, 'when Copenhagen-based brands were rising in popularity in the luxury market,' Fitzgerald recalled. Today, amid renewed interest in maximalist fashion, Cecilie Bahnsen continues to be 'a standout in this movement and a firm favorite among the fashion set,' she noted. Celebrity fans include model and actor Emily Ratajkowski of 'Too Much' and Blackpink singer Jennie. Among one of Bahnsen's most recognizable garments is her take on the babydoll dress — when you see such a piece on the rails of a high-end retailer like Dover Street Market in Tokyo or Nordstrom in New York, it is often, unmistakably, one of Bahnsen's creations. Yet, the garment has deeply political roots: The babydoll is synonymous with female liberation, as it marked a shift away from corsetry and restrictive hemlines at the turn of the 20th century — a time that marked greater personal freedom for women, particularly in terms of physical movement and social expression. That history, it appears, aligns with Bahnsen's beliefs. She described her clothes as 'hyper-feminine,' but noted that it also makes its wearer feel 'strong' at the same time. Bahnsen's first dedicated bridal edit — a curated selection of new and older styles, which included several baby doll dresses — launched in early 2024. She spotted an opportunity to put the collection together after seeing women 'coming to us who have saved a catalog of pictures from back in time of our white dresses,' she recalled. 'I always have a lot of white in my collections, so it came very naturally.' Today, the label has become a popular choice for bridalwear, alongside established brands like Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang, and newer contenders such as Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard. The biggest shift in bridalwear, Bahnsen observed, is growing demand from her customers for 'separates' that could also be worn outside of the big day. 'It began around five years ago where people were buying into looks that they could also wear after the wedding and have a second purpose for it.' In addition to dresses, Bahnsen's bridal collections include flowing skirts and bralettes. To mark a decade in business, Bahnsen plans to open her first boutique in Copenhagen and stage a runway as part of the city's fashion week in August. (Over the past few years, she's become a regular at Paris Fashion Week and still plans to show there in the fall). The new boutique, located on Store Strandstræde 19 in the center of the city, is 'the first place to have our full universe and display the full collection of clothes,' said Bahnsen. The store, she noted, will 'have a gallery vibe,' indicating her hope that it won't merely be a place for transaction that showcases new products to buy, but it will also introduce fans — and potential customers — to her other interests, like discovering art and crafts by local artisans, which will be on display. For Mie Marie Ejdrup, CEO of Cecilie Bahnsen, the new store is part of a 'broader growth strategy,' she explained in a statement. While Copenhagen was selected as 'a tribute to our home market and heritage, the long-term vision is to expand within our key international markets,' she said. Meanwhile, Bahnsen's Copenhagen show will act as a one-off celebration that looks back at the label's last ten years. 'We decided to create a fully white collection that trickles into silver. It'll feature many of the silhouettes or fabrics shown before, some put together in new ways,' she teased, describing the result as 'a collage of everything we've ever created.' Guests attending the show are also invited to wear their favorite Cecilie Bahnsen pieces, she added. The fact that the label remains independently owned is significant. The current economic climate, rise of fast fashion and shifting retail landscape has made it a tough environment for the survival and growth of many fashion brands. Yet Bahnsen's savvy approach to collaborations has helped to boost her financial lifeline. While industry collaborations have long been used to broaden audiences and build hype, her knack for choosing the right partners has consistently led to commercial and creative success. The designer revealed to CNN that she will team up with Alpha Industries, an American military-style outerwear and bomber jacket specialist, next. 'When we add a collaboration to our universe, it's usually because I've seen a friend or someone in the studio wearing something interesting,' explained Bahnsen. The idea to work with Alpha Industries came after she saw 'many girls, especially in Japan, styling bomber jackets over dresses.' Bahnsen felt that she could add a feminine lens to an otherwise tough-feeling brand. For example, the signature MA-1 silhouette is cropped and reworked with layers of laser-cut fabric that appear to blossom outward, whereas the N-2B styles, which normally feature army colors like dark green, will come with soft pink detailing. Releasing in January 2026, it follows on the popularity of Bahnsen's collaborations with the Japanese sportswear company Asics and US outdoor apparel firm The North Face. When her collaboration with Asics first launched in 2023, 'everything sold out in under two minutes,' she said. 'It's new to have female voices in the sportswear field, so to come in at Asics and The North Face and add a feminine lens, I think, is what has made it so strong.' That thinking is arguably emblematic of Bahnsen's success to date. 'As a creative, independent founder, you have to grow with the business and learn to be part of a bigger fashion industry than yourself. So, you need to surround yourself with people who can complement your skills and make you grow,' Bahnsen reflected. 'But what I have also learned is that you need to stick to your instincts and hold onto your beliefs, because that is going to be what makes you stand out.'
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Macy's Unveils First-Ever On 34th Collaboration
The On 34th | Alix Friedberg collection features elements of vintage color and a touch of modern flair, offering a fresh take on summer style NEW YORK, August 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Macy's announces its first-ever On 34th brand collaboration, in partnership with acclaimed costume designer Alix Friedberg and inspired by her work on the spirited world of the Emmy award-nominated Apple Original series, Palm Royale. Drawing upon Friedberg's celebrated work on the series, the collection channels the playful sophistication and easy elegance that define the show's aesthetic. The On 34th | Alix Friedberg collection features an array of women's apparel and accessories and is now available at select Macy's retail stores, online at and through the Macy's app. "This collection marks the first collaboration for Macy's private brand, On 34th, and with Alix's award-winning talent and leadership in costume design, it was a natural fit. Alix tells stories through her work, and each individual piece was built with great attention to the On 34th customer," says Emily Erusha-Hilleque, SVP of Private Brand, Design, and Trend at Macy's. "We're excited for our customers to see this collection come to life across our platforms in a way that only Macy's can deliver. Macy's is known for fashion and great experiences, and collaborations like this are yet another way for us to be in the cultural conversation." Alix Friedberg, known for her work in costume design, infused her expertise into the collection, drawing inspiration from Palm Royale and Palm Beach style. The On 34th | Alix Friedberg collection offers an array of effortlessly chic pieces, from flowy dresses, skirts, and tops to versatile sets and a range of accessories designed for mixing and matching. With retro patterns and sun-kissed colors, each item echoes the mid-century glamor and carefree mood that inspired the collection. "With this Macy's collection, I wanted to offer styles that feel both elevated and playful, with pieces that encourage people to escape the ordinary and truly savor the easy, breezy spirit of summer," said Friedberg. "The vibrant palette and vintage inspiration from my work on Palm Royale are woven into every piece, and I hope wearers will feel the joy and creativity behind each design." For this collection's campaign, acclaimed photographer Ben Watts captured the spirit of the collection with his signature blend of authenticity and vibrance. The campaign stars model Georgia Fowler, whose effortless elegance and timeless appeal mirror the collection's vintage-inspired aesthetic. As a centerpiece of the launch, Macy's has transformed the iconic Herald Square windows with immersive displays featuring key looks from the collection, inspired by Palm Royale's playful sophistication, to invite passersby into a world of sunny color and bold style. First launched in August 2023, On 34th was the first new brand unveiled as part of Macy's reimagined customer-centric private brands portfolio. The brand was created with inspirational and modern design, informed by the voice of the customer, and built for real life. The launch of On 34th marked an important milestone in Macy's journey to elevate and reimagine the company's private brand portfolio, all while developing unique and relevant product design that illustrates multiple points of inspiration and customer data. The On 34th | Alix Friedberg collection includes 19 apparel styles, comprised of dresses, tops, skirts, and match sets, along with additional styles of scarves, jewelry pieces, and handbags. Each piece offers mix-and-match versatility, designed for layering and pairing, and is available in a range of sizes from XXS to XXL. Apparel prices range from $49.50 to $159.50, while accessories are priced between $24.50 and $99.50. Don't miss Palm Royale, now streaming on Apple TV+. About Macy's Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation's largest e-commerce platforms powered by and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy's delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy's gives customers even more ways to shop through an off-price assortment at Macy's Backstage and at our highly curated Macy's small format stores. Each year, Macy's provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We're guided by our social commitment—to create a brighter future for all that empowers voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers, communities and leaders of tomorrow. View source version on Contacts Julissa Bonfante / Gillian Boylandcommunications@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Wall Street Journal
38 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Heidi Klum Is Starting a ‘Worm and Parasite Cleanse'
In fashion, as the saying goes on 'Project Runway,' one day you're in and the next day you're out. Except if you're Heidi Klum on the actual show, in which case you're in, you're out and then you're back in again. The German-born supermodel left the fashion reality TV series with co-star Tim Gunn eight years ago, with the two going on to launch a rival fashion competition show, 'Making the Cut,' on Amazon from 2020 to 2022. Now Klum, 52, has returned to her best-known TV role, stepping back onto the 'Project Runway' stage via a giant zipper entrance on the set in its new home on Freeform, Disney+ and Hulu. Her co-star for the 21st season, which premiered in late July, is designer and season four winner Christian Siriano.
