Regent’s Fashion Design graduate Ivanna Diadyk displayed her work at the recent 2025 BAFTA TV Awards red carpet event and award ceremony.
Ivanna, who graduated in 2024, designed and created a custom dress for leading film and television producer Sheila Nortley to wear for the event.
Here, she shares an insight into the experience as well as memories of studying at Regent’s and advice for current students about to step out into the fashion industry.
How did the opportunity to dress Sheila Nortley for the BAFTA TV Awards come about?
The opportunity was the result of ongoing work from my brand team, who are dedicated to constantly seeking out new clients, ideas, and creative projects.
Through one of these initiatives, we were introduced to Sheila via a mutual connection, who was familiar with both her style and our design approach. From our first conversation, there was a clear creative alignment. It felt like a natural collaboration, and we were excited to bring her vision to life.
What was your inspiration for the custom-made dress?
The biggest inspiration was Sheila herself — her strength, her elegance, and her authenticity. I wanted the dress to reflect all these facets of her personality, combining timeless sophistication with bold, modern elements.
A key part of the process was working closely with Sheila’s stylist, Adama, who had a deep understanding of her personal style and preferences. This collaboration really ensured every detail of the design felt true to Sheila and helped enhance her presence on the red carpet.
Were there any challenges you had to overcome during the design process?
Definitely. Time was a major challenge — I was working to a tight schedule and, with a custom piece, every fitting matters!
Balancing design intricacies with wear-ability was also key. Sheila needed to feel completely comfortable and confident, so adjustments were made right up to the last fitting. But those moments really shaped the final outcome and ensured that she was completely happy with the fit and design.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Regent’s?
One of my favourite memories was showcasing my collection at the graduate fashion show. Seeing months of work come to life on the runway — and being surrounded by such a supportive community of tutors and peers — was incredibly affirming. It felt like a turning point, where I fully stepped into my identity as a designer.
Why would you recommend Regent’s to students wishing to study Fashion Design?
Regent’s offers a uniquely personal learning experience. The small class sizes meant I had direct access to tutors who genuinely cared about my development — not just as a designer, but as a creative thinker. The environment really encouraged experimentation, which helped me refine my voice and take risks in my work.
What advice would you give to current students looking to break into the fashion industry?
Be relentless in refining your craft but also build your network. Relationships are just as important as skill. Stay curious, stay humble, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Every opportunity — no matter how small — can open doors. And most importantly, stay true to your creative vision; it’s your most powerful asset.
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Regent’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design teaches you how to design and build marketable collections that target your desired audience while reflecting your personal aesthetic and story, producing innovative collections that stem from customer research and creative experimentation.
(Image credit: Sheila Nortley)