TWO fashion students from the Winchester School of Art have reached the finals of a Russian-themed competition to find the designers of the future.

Eleanor Brooks (21) and Lydia Crook (20) are among 15 finalists showcasing their talents in the fifth annual graduate fashion competition, organised by the charity, Fashion Awareness Direct.

The contest allows students to express their own style within a given framework. This year's brief was Russian culture, using the differing history and culture of St Petersburg and Moscow and the Ballet Russes-an art form that has communicated a great deal to the West about Russian life.

Lydia and Eleanor initially submitted sketches and detailed drawings of their designs. Their conceptual work was then shortlisted and the candidates told to make their designs a catwalk reality.

Lydia's main inspiration was a quote from Stravinsky's ballet, The Firebird, which led her to research secret gardens and princesses. Her dress has a corset bodice and full-netted skirt in natural creams with dusty pink accents, worn with a rabbit fur-trim coat. She has used embroidered gems, sequins and beads on top of silk satin appliqu.

Eleanor has also designed a dress with a long train, which can be pulled up as a coat. The garment is in organza with metallic and muslin strips. She says it was inspired by Rasputin and Russia's sense of illusion and the idea that all is not as it seems.

Lydia said: "The competition has been an amazing experience so far and I've learned a huge amount. It's great being able to show my work and I'm looking forward to seeing my design coming down the catwalk."

The finalists will present their work to judges on Tuesday, March 15th. The panel will consist of British designer Paul Costelloe, Alexander Shumsky, the producer of Russian Fashion Week, and chaired by Hilary Alexander, fashion editor of the Daily Telegraph. Three winners will receive a cash prize and a work placement at leading fashion houses such as Tata Naka and Selfridges.