Diana Vickers to launch her own fashion collection (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Diana Vickers to launch her own fashion collection

2:22pm Thursday 19th May 2011 in Leisure By Neil Docking, Reporter

DIANA Vickers is set to launch her first fashion collection tomorrow.

The 19-year-old pop star from Huncoat is following in the footsteps of TV presenters Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby by signing up with online fashion retailer Very.

Diana’s collection, titled Dee V, consists of eight key pieces for this year's summer season.

Prices range from £20 to £99 for items including sequin dresses, cotton tees and wide leg jeans.

Known for her quirky sense of style, Diana has taken inspiration from the swinging 60s, with the clothes incorporating floral prints and pastel shades.

The former Westholme School pupil said the theme of her collection, was partly inspired by the hit American TV series, Mad Men.

Diana, who grew up in Blackburn, said: “It is fun with a sophisticated twist. It’s full of unique prints and gorgeous colours.”

The dresses and playsuits are adorned with whimsical prints.

Wide leg jeans and cleverly cut cotton tees provide dressed down alternatives.

Diana, who first found fame as a semi-finalist on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008, and later enjoyed chart success with number one hit single Once, said she was keen for the clothes to reflect her personality.

She said: “It is important that people will look at the collection and see that it has come from me.”

Dan Rubel, brand director for Very.co.uk, said: “Diana is emerging as a style icon and has bought her unique sense of style into her first ever fashion collection.

“We’re delighted to have her on board and feel she is a great addition to the celebrity designers Very.co.uk already boasts.

“We are confident that her collection will be a big hit with our customers.”

East Lancashire designer's verdict

Fashion designer Carrie-Ann Kay has her own fashion label René K and runs vintage clothes shop and tea rooms ARTisan in Standish Street Burnley.

She said: “It is not a brave collection like Kate Moss’ first range for Top Shop.

But it is very pretty. It’s girly and very her and I’m sure will do well in the age range it’s aimed at.

“The prices are quite wide ranging, but she may struggle to sell the items at £100 because they’re not out of the ordinary designs.

“I do really like the swallow print design dress and I would wear that myself.

“Overall it’s got some run of the mill nice pieces that are bang on trend and it’s certainly not a bad start if she has designed it herself.”