BCU fashion student's dresses worn on the Pride of Britain Awards red carpet

A Birmingham City University fashion student has seen not one but two of his dresses on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards, worn by Strictly Come Dancing star Lauren Oakley and singer-songwriter Linda Adepitan.

Final year Fashion Design student Rohan Scott, 22, styled the pair for the awards ceremony, held at Grosvenor House in London on 19 October. Linda Adepitan performs under the name Elle Exxe.

Dresses from his second year

Both walked the red carpet in striking sculpted dresses from a collection Rohan created in his second year at BCU. The student said "words can't describe the excitement" of seeing his work on the red carpet.

He described working with the two women as a wholesome experience. "They were both equally so warm, welcoming and down to earth, which made the environment more engaging when I was sharing my work," he said.

"I feel an immense feeling of gratitude that I've been considered in this way by someone outside of the classroom," he added. "Having this large exposure is exciting and terrifying at the same time, and it's an experience that I'll be eternally grateful for."

A Birmingham connection

Both women had seen the work of BCU's designers first hand at fashion shows. Birmingham-born Lauren Oakley hosted the university's annual outdoor graduate fashion catwalk, 1000 Threads, earlier this year.

"Growing up in Birmingham myself, you're quite aware that creatively a lot of things happen in London, so taking the opportunity to use my platform to help someone local in the creative industry was really important to me," she said.

"All four dresses Rohan brought for me to try were stunning, and he was really lovely and understanding of what I wanted, and all about making me feel comfortable."

Linda Adepitan viewed collections from 13 BCU student and graduate designers at their 2026 London Fashion Week exhibit at Somerset House, which she visited with her husband, the university's Chancellor and Paralympian Ade Adepitan MBE.

"It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to wear this one-of-a-kind dress by young rising talent Rohan Scott. I felt like a warrior princess," she said.

"Judging by the reaction I got from the attendees last night Rohan's going to have superstars falling over themselves to wear his designs on the red carpet!"

"Testament to his skill"

Dean Fallon, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design, said: "The fact that Rohan has been identified for this amazing opportunity is testament to his skill and drive as an emerging designer."

From catwalks to international shows to red carpets, it is the latest achievement for BCU's fashion community, and a reminder that Birmingham's creative talent can hold its own on a national stage.