Help Dunstable designer Helen's kickstarter for New York Fashion Week

Designer Helen Woollams with her models [picture: Mary Germanou]

Hellavagirl – the brand launched by designer Helen Woollams in 2011 – received rapturous applause at London Fashion Week last year,

And Helen, 34, who runs the label from her studio in Tavistock Road, Dunstable, has been approached to show at New York Fashion Week.

She said: “They contacted me towards the end of last year which is why it’s came about so quickly!

“They said ‘we’d like to give you the opportunity to show’, but the difference for me between going on show in New York and London is thousands of pounds.”

Undeterred, Helen has began a kickstarter campaign to raise funds to take the label to New York this year.

She said: “It’s a massive challenge, absolutely. We will be showing at New York Fashion Week at some point, if it’s not in February my hope is for next season in September.

“These things spring up when you least expect them. It’s just fantastic to have been chosen!”

Helen has also been shortlisted for British Fashion Designer of the Year and the label was recently featured on Fashion One TV.

She added: “I never seem to struggle coming up with creative ideas, I can’t sleep for ideas for most of the time! The business side is something I’m having to learn.”

To help Hellavagirl make it to New York Fashion Week, see Helen’s kickstarter website here.