A WIRRAL student is hoping to be the toast of Graduate Fashion Week as he unveils his debut collection.

Robert Mills, from Bidston, took style tips from none other than his nan to create the couture-inspired pieces of womenswear and now wants to share them with everyone else.

The 21-year-old, who is about to complete his fashion degree at Manchester School of Art, will show off his work on June 4 at Earl’s Court, London, as one of just 18 students selected nationally to take part in the event.

And Robert he wanted to draw on ideas of “desirability and indulgence” when creating his collection.

He said: "My nan is my hero and I like to think she is my building block onto the ways I look at life for inspiration.

"My other inspirations come from my O.C.D. Having this from a young age and being treated for it has made me come out of my comfort zone which enables me to research topics that I was physically scared of.

"For me this has pushed my personal boundaries and also my designer boundaries. Since doing this I have seen a really big step in the way I get inspired and design."

Former Woodchurch High School pupil Robert first started designing as a child surrounding by female relatives and talk of clothes.

He added: "I was brought up on a council estate and my mother worked as hard as she could to get us the best of everything.

"Being the only boy in the family at that time I was constantly surrounded by women, this led to my interest in clothes and how they wore them.

"I would come home from primary school and sketch ideas for dresses and my own label name."

Jo Jenkinson, programme leader for BA Fashion at MMU said: "The competition to show at GFW was high this year as we have some really diverse and talented students, so Robert has done fantastically well to be picked for the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week.

"The event provides all students with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent, make great contacts and spring board their career."