A Manx student displayed her fashion collection, inspired by a kayaking trip around the island, on a London catwalk.

Katia Tastagh, aged 21, was selected as one of 19 students from De Montfort University (DMU) to have their work hit the runway in London this month.

The DMU Contour Fashion Show took place at the Freemasons’ Hall in Convent Garden.

Big industry names including Stretchline, Boux Avenue, Clover, Crystal Martin, Next, Invista (Lycra), Asos, Triumph, Tommy Hilfiger, Underlines, Wacoal and Concepts Paris had representatives attending the show.

Katia, who lives outside Peel, said: ’After so many months of hard work it was an amazing feeling watching my collection on the catwalk.’

Established in 1947, the show provides DMU students with the opportunity to showcase their designs in a big way.

The final year students, who have taken the three-year Contour Fashion course at DMU, have specialised in the ’body intimates’ markets of lingerie, sportswear, swimwear and corsetry.

Katia, who will be working as a coach at outdoor centre Adventurous Experiences in St John’s this summer, focussed on improving sportswear.

She said: ’The heritage and outdoor community of the Isle of Man has had a huge influence on my collection.

’On August 25 last summer, I was a part of a group that circumnavigated the island by kayak; the mini expedition was four days.

’Along this journey and from past experience, through a love of many different sports, I’ve recognised features I’d like to improve and see in sportswear.’

Katia explained that her collection - 61° North adventure wear - was designed to adapt to the surrounding environment and includes temperature control, moisturising, compression, self-cleaning, and odour neutralising to ’enable adventurers to put themselves in challenging situations safely’.

She continued: ’Studying the ergonomics and biomechanics of the body during running, cycling, kayaking and swimming I have designed the garments to be multi-functional for all adventures.’

The third year student hopes to be working within the fashion industry from September. She said: ’The last three years has been a steep learning curve, but I have really enjoyed the challenge of it.’

Until then, she will be working at her brother Keirron’s company Adventurous Experiences as part of the coaching and communications team.

’I’ve done a lot with Adventurous Experiences and was a part of the Youth Scholarship programme in 2014.

’As a group we trained for 18 months in preparation for an expedition around the northern point of Vancouver Island.

’Since then I’ve enjoyed training and many trips with the adventure club when I’m home from university.’