Fashion designer and retailer FatFace has chosen a young designer from Bristol, who was once homeless, from among hundreds of hopefuls to create a new accessories collection.
Sally Darby, 30, who now runs her own business Sally Darby Illustration, was selected by FatFace as part of a collaboration with The Prince’s Trust to launch designs from Trust-supported young people and raise funds for the youth charity.
The collaboration is part of The Prince’s Trust ‘Tomorrow’s Talent’ initiative, which was launched last year to help young people facing difficulty harness their creative potential. 
Before approaching the charity and setting up her own business, Sally was unemployed for two years and struggling with mental health issues. She found herself homeless and living in supported accommodation.
She said: “Every area of my life seemed like a disaster and that combined with my mental health issues, made it really difficult for me to see a happy future. I wanted to get into work but didn’t feel up to it.”
After studying illustration at UWE Bristol, Sally wanted to put her skills to good use and pursue self-employment so she approached The Prince’s Trust and got involved with the Tomorrow’s Talent project.
The charity partnered with a number of high street retailers including FatFace, Asos and Oasis to provide young people with the opportunity to get their designs featured on different products.
More than 300 young designers entered this year’s Tomorrow’s Talent competition with five shortlisted, winning prizes and work placements from the retailers to help develop their own businesses.
Sally, who created designs for FatFace’s floral horse scarf and shopper bag, said: “It has been an incredible experience. I was so chuffed to have been selected and to see the products I helped design in stores today is such an accomplishment.
“It will certainly help me with my business, Sally Darby Illustration, which I set up with the help of The Prince’s Trust.”
Also chosen to work with FatFace was Jessica Mahy, 25, from York.
FatFace head of human resources Adrienne Heeley said: “We were extremely impressed by the level of the designs. Jessica and Sally are both incredibly talented and really did add to our spring collection.
“They spent some quality time with each department and gained a really good insight into what’s involved and how much goes into creating each item of clothing. We are proud to have partnered with The Prince’s Trust on this valuable initiative.”
The Tomorrow’s Talent products are now available in all FatFace stores and online at fatface.com.
