A pair of talented North East-based designers have been working for seven months to create a jaw-dropping £25,000 gown to be worn by England's entry to the Miss World competition this weekend.
Scott Henshall and Eric Way, known together as Henshall Way Couture, are the minds behind the dress which will be worn by Miss England Jessica Gagen at the big event in India tomorrow (March 9).
Jessica, 28, from Lancashire, is an aerospace engineer graduate and as part of her Beauty with a Purpose project promotes women in STEM careers.
She is also the first-ever redhead to have won the Miss England pageant.
Now, she will represent the country at the 71st Miss World competition and sport a gown fit for royalty made right here in the North East.
Scott, who is based in Hartlepool, said: "We are so excited to be dressing Miss England for the Miss World competition, for a strong and powerful woman.
"I grew up watching Miss World - and as a child, I saw all of those glamorous dresses. It's what really inspired me to become a fashion designer."
Scott is perhaps most well known for a £5 million diamond-encrusted cobweb dress which Samantha Mumba wore at the 2004 premiere of Spider-Man 2. This, at the time, was later described as the world's most expensive dress.
He has also dressed big stars including Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Victoria Beckham.
When asked about the gown and the story behind it, Scott confessed the vibe is "Elsa on acid", as they aimed to design a dress that was empowering for Jessica.
"What we wanted to create was a dress that would make her feel like the queen she is going to be - a dress that empowered her to be a strong woman at Miss World.
"It's been a long seven-month process of fittings to make her the most comfortable she can be - we aimed to make her feel like the ultimate queen."
Recommended:
- Female team take over restaurant on International Women’s Day
- The Hub Consett opens its doors on Sherburn Terrace
- The seven best books to read according to Echo reporters
Pictures of Jessica in the dress, sparkling and covered in Swarovski crystals have been released before the big competition complete with a crown where the England flag can be seen created with crystals.
Now, as the clock ticks down to the big competition, both Scott and Eric will have their eyes glued to the television as they eagerly await to see Jessica take to the stage in their dress.
"Jessica is in the top five, and we have our fingers crossed that she is going to win!"
To watch the competition tomorrow, tune to at MissWorld.com at 1pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel