A 17-YEAR-OLD Basildon fashion designer has been invited to showcase her work at the London Fashion Week.

Abbie Smith, who has been designing clothes since she was 11, was part of the Fashions Finest showcase during the fashion week in the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London.

Abbie, who believes she was one of the youngest designers during the prestigious event, presented her new collection, which is called Dream Catcher.

It is an ethereal collection in a soft pastel palette, using peach, greens and antique lilac.

It features Kimono style robes, a body suit that she has painted free hand and a dress made from hundreds of hand cut organza petals.

Abbie, who attended Woodland Secondary School and now goes to South Essex College, said: “I don’t really know where I got the idea from.

“While I am working on one collection I always have ideas for the next one.

“I get told off at work for doodling during school.

“The collection got a bit mixed up as I couldn’t make up my mind.

“It started as oriental princesses with the lotus flowers and being really earthy.”

Abbie got interested in fashion design due to her mum, Leanne Smith, 38, who made her dancing outfits when she was younger and still helps her with the designs.

This is the third time that Abbie has taken her work to London Fashion Week and says she is now setting her sights on Paris Fashion Week.

“The first time I got an email from the organisers asking me to take part,” she said.

“They have then asked me back for the next two years.

“I think my first time will always be my favourite.

“It was less stressful this time though as I knew what was going on a bit more. I felt really proud watching all my designs on the catwalk.

“I always worry that people won’t understand my theme, but I had some lovely comments from the models and from some of the audience who said the collection was ‘beautiful’.”