A YOUNG designer will compete in a London fashion competition this weekend for the chance to showcase her clothes in America.

Abbie Smith, 12, of Long Riding, Basildon, will be the youngest competitor in the Fashion Designers and Craft Makers’ Young Designer Awards on Saturday.

She will be up against 21 other young designers hoping to win the coveted young designer award, open to entrants aged between nine and 25.

The winner also has opportunity to debut a collection at the Fashion Designers Expo Week in Florida.

Designers had to create a garment inspired by a famous artist to qualify.

Abbie’s entry is a dress inspired by French impressionist painter, Claude Monet, and his famous water lily oil paintings.

Abbie, who goes to Woodlands Primary School, Basildon, said: “I am really excited about the competition.

“It will give me a chance to meet lots of other designers and get ideas for the future.”

The competition was started by knitwear designer Joanna Marcella to draw attention to talented and creative youngsters who want to break into the fashion industry.

Abbie, who has been designing clothes since she was ten, entered the competition after showcasing two collections in July and August in aid of Help for Heroes and the children’s ward in Southend Hospital.

Abbie said: “I love designing clothes. It gives me something to look forward to after school.”

Leanne Smith, Abbie’s mother, said: “I think it is brilliant she is involved in the competition.

“She is such a creative soul and this gives her something to focus on.

“I am so proud of her, and will do whatever I can to get her where she needs to be.

“I hope she does well as the dress is beautiful.”

Designers over the age of 21 will also be competing for the Radical Collections Award, and the chance to show a collection at Seattle Fashion Week.

The competition will take place on October 29 at the Novotel London Hotel, in St Pancras, London.