Few can match Vivienne Westwood when it comes to inspiring people.

After all, it was this cutting-edge fashion designer who convinced people in the 1970s that everyday household items such as safety pins, razor blades and bicycle chains could double as fashion accessories.

And she continues to have an impact today, as one Southend student can attest. Helen Felstead decided to become a fashion designer after doing work experience for Westwood in 2002. As she nears the end of her fashion design course at South East Essex College, she hopes to emulate her idol by building up her own company.

This Friday she is presenting her final-year collection and Westwood's company graciously agreed to sponsor the young protege with material and advice.

Helen, 23, from Lifstan Way, said: "I just rang them up to see if they would be willing to sponsor me. They don't normally do this. But because I did work experience for them, they agreed.

"They helped me with material and, whenever I wanted to know something, I could ring them."

Helen said she was a big fan of Westwood as a designer.

"She was self taught," she said. "She never studied for it."

When Helen finally met Westwood for the first time, she said she was different from what she had imagined.

She said: "She is very quiet. She keeps herself to herself."

Helen is also being sponsored by fellow British high flyer Ben de Lisi, as well as local companies Simply Devyne and Grooms of Leigh.

She will be one of the 35 fashion students from South East Essex College who will be showcasing their designs on the catwalk in the college's atrium this Friday.

There will be 30 models wearing innovative and individual collections.

The evening performance is at 8.30pm and tickets can be bought from the college on 01702 220601.

The garments will all be available for sale following the show and can be bought by calling Kirsti McLean on 01702 220400.

For more information about the fashion show, visit www.southend.ac.uk/recharge or ring 01702 22040