Mia wins creativity award in Royal Ballet and Opera Design Challenge

Talented New City College student Mia George has been awarded Costume Design Commended for Creativity in this year’s prestigious Royal Ballet and Opera Design Challenge – a national competition that champions the next generation of fashion designers.

The Design Challenge is a skills-based competition that gives students the chance to respond to a professional design brief inspired by a real Royal Ballet and Opera production. The initiative aims to uncover emerging talent, improve access to careers in the theatre, and support students in developing the hands-on skills they need to excel in the creative industries.

This year’s challenge focused on the ballet The Winter’s Tale, inspired by Shakespeare’s classic play of the same name. Students were invited to respond to one of three visions set by Royal Ballet Creative Associate, David Pickering. Among the many impressive entrants from across the country, only 15 students were chosen for awards – making Mia’s recognition all the more exceptional.

Her costume will be exhibited from June at the Royal Opera House alongside the other winning designs.

Mia, who is studying Level 3 Art and Design Practice at NCC Ardleigh Green Campus, said: “It feels great to have been commended – especially when so many people took part and only 15 awards were given out.

“I took inspiration from the 1970s and chose to do crochet, as it’s something I really enjoy doing and it worked well with my poncho design. The character I designed for had a bohemian style, and the 70s vibe really matched that.

“My tutors were so supportive and made sure I had everything I needed to enter the competition. I had to provide lots of evidence and a full portfolio, so a lot of work went into it.”

As part of her prize, Mia has been invited to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in June along with the other winners to collect her award. She will spend the day gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the industry and the life of the Royal Ballet and Opera, with tours, talks and a chance to meet up with the production professionals and designers.

Mia added: “It was so exciting to be part of the challenge – I still can’t believe I was chosen for an award. It’s really given me confidence in my work. I can’t wait to go to the Royal Opera House in June to see my costume in the exhibition and to meet the people who work there.”

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The Royal Ballet and Opera’s Design Challenge is a national, skills-based design competition that gives students the chance to work to a brief inspired by a Royal Ballet and Opera production. Design Challenge aims to discover and nurture young talent, improve access to design jobs in the theatre and beyond, and enhance students’ hands-on skills to help them meet their qualifications. Design Challenge is not only about helping students enhance their skills and finish their studies – it’s also about giving young people relevant experience and greater access and pathways into creative education and artistic industries.