Last updated at 07:55, Friday, 04 May 2012

A Seaton fashion designer, who has made a name working for George at Asda, says her love of fashion was sparked by her time as a child spent sewing squares together with her mother.

SEW GREAT: Seaton fashion designer Rachel Penn, 29

Rachel Penn, 29, of Fernleigh Drive, who now lives in Leicester, credits the hours spent with mum Jean making products as the starting point of her successful career.

Rachel has worked as an international ladies wear designer for George at Asda for two years and currently works on the casual jersey wear team.

She has designed various ranges including formal, work wear and maternity wear and her products have appeared in Look, Grazia and Company magazines.

Rachel said: “My mum taught me to sew from such an early age that we were always making things and being arty and creative.

“Growing up in Cumbria there were so many beautiful places to be inspired by, and if you’re a creative person you can adapt things and interpret things into your own style.

“I’ve been able to travel the world for inspiration with trips to places like India, China, New York, Paris, Rome, all over the UK and I’m going to Bangladesh in the next few weeks, which I’m really excited about.

“I’d never have been able to do this if I wasn’t in the job that I’m in now.”

Rachel, who studied at Stainburn School and Workington Sixth Form Centre, went on to study for a BA in fashion design at the University of Central Lancashire, graduating in 2006.

She started her career at a supplier company in Leicester, which supplied ranges to New Look, Republic, Fashion Union, Dune stores and Clockhouse.

She still returns to West Cumbria to visit her brother Jonathan, mum Jean and dad Tony.

First published at 06:09, Friday, 04 May 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk