Students from the University Centre at Blackburn College have been given their first taste of the luxury lifestyle – by working on projects to kit out super yachts and private jets.

Students Waseema Sarah, Abbie Riley and Justyna Grabowska were given the opportunity to work with Peter Reed, the luxury linen manufacturer.

The collaboration has led to one student securing her first full-time design job – working with super yacht and private yet owners – and another being inspired to launch her own-brand clothing range.

Waseema Sarah, 20, is now developing her own clothing range – inspired by the experience at Peter Reed.

Waseema said: “I undertook a placement at Peter Reed and it gave me an understanding of how a bespoke and made-to-measure industry works. That’s really helped shape my thinking around my own clothing range.”

“The partnership with Peter Reed enabled me to access specialist equipment and work closely with the firm’s design and production teams.”

Waseema, who studied BA (Hons) Contemporary Fashion, added, “My own brand clothing range will be marketed under my own name Waseema Sarah and I’m looking forward to finalising my collection.”

Meanwhile, Abbie Riley secured her first design job with the Nelson-based firm. Abbie, 21, will be working full-time with the luxury linen manufacturer helping to design bespoke beddings for super yachts and private jets and to work with clients.

Abbie said: “I’ve now secured a full-time position at Peter Reed, based in Nelson.”

“I’ll be working in the role of Sales and Design Coordinator. It was through my tutor, Jenna Gardner, that I was introduced to Peter Reed to create a capsule collection for a bedding range.

“I undertook a placement there that my tutor arranged and now I’ve been successful in gaining a new full-time role.”

Abbie joined the University Centre at Blackburn College after studying her A-Levels in Graphics, IT and Photography at St Mary’s College, Blackburn.

Abbie added: “I’ve enjoyed my time studying the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication degree. The best bit has been the work experience I have gained that has ultimately enabled me to get my first design job.

“Everything I have learnt through my degree has really helped me get the role – from working in groups and teams that helps you understand how the real world works, to the staff who have been on hand to give me really constructive feedback throughout the degree.”

Peter Reed produce luxury linens including bespoke ranges for a host of celebrity clients including Jennifer Lopez and Steven Spielberg, as well as holding the Royal Warrant and supplying linen to the Queen and the super yacht and private jet market.

Sean Clayton, General Manager at Peter Reed said, “We’re delighted to be welcoming Abbie to Peter Reed. Abbie will be working as a Sales and Design Coordinator working specifically on our bespoke linen ranges for super yachts and private jets.

“We wanted to appoint someone who had great design knowledge but could also work with our customers to ensure we are developing bespoke products that fit their briefs. Abbie is able to provide both of those skills.”

“We have worked more with Blackburn College over the past year and have taken a number of students on work placements in a range of roles as well as hiring a Textiles Apprentice through the College.

"The idea is to introduce new talent to our businesses.”