Fashion entrepreneur Rebecca in line for national award

Rebecca Haddaway, 23, started her own gender-neutral fashion brand ATARAXI when she was just 21 from her parents’ spare room in Sudborough.

She has now been shortlisted in the entrepreneur categoryWe are the City Rising Stars awards which celebrates the achievements of young women.

The former student of Prince William School in Oundle graduated from the London College of Fashion with a first class honours whilst simultaneously establishing her brand and juggling part-time jobs to fund her venture.

While at LCF, she was Student of the Year, and won the LCF craftsmanship award for her design.

Interning from aged 16, she has worked for prestigious names Maison Margiela, Coach and Lyle and Scott.

Rebecca obtained sponsorship for her brand to show at the Mercedes-Benz Malta Fashion Week and awards.

A spokesman for the awards, sponsored by Barclaycard, said: “True to her entrepreneurial style, Rebecca stormed London Fashion Week with ATARAXI’s #GenderationGenderless guerrilla marketing campaign, which saw 20 models invade Brewer Street and Tate Britain capturing the attention of the international media.

“In her spare time she helps to organise charity fashion shows, mentors fashion students and graduates and participates in panel discussions.”

Rebecca’s fashion brand aims to provide clothing that is not defined by gender and can be worn by anyone.

There is a public vote for the awards which is open online now. Voting is open until May 27. You can vote for Rebecca here