An aspiring fashion designer is studying the style of pop group Little Mix for her university degree at Birmingham City University.

Self-confessed super-fan, Lauren McDonnell, is researching the history of the X Factor winners’ music and styling as part of her final year project at the University’s School of Fashion and Textiles.

Performing herself since the age of four, Lauren has experienced being part of a girl group herself and appeared on The X Factor in 2016. She said:

“[Music] didn’t work out but, as I got older, I became more and more fascinated with costumes and found I was good at textiles during my GCSEs.

“I’m very passionate about the same topics that Little Mix stand for, such as gender equality, LGBT rights, embracing your imperfections and loving yourself for who you are.

“As well as researching the history of Little Mix’s style, I’ve conducted lyric annotations of songs from their most recent album to allow me to create outfits that are designed for their upcoming tour.”

Lauren annotated the lyrics of the girl group's singles; Strip, Think About Us and Woman Like Me, which scored the quartet their thirteenth Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. Lauren, who has worked with tribute act ‘A Touch of Little Mix’ to create physical costumes and determine their suitability for performance. added:

"Throughout my research I’ve found that Little Mix push the boundaries with what they wear and don’t care what the media say about them – that’s why I’m an avid fan. 

“The corset has been my favourite garment to make, as I love the intricacy, style lines and how polished the final look is. In the future I’d love to work with artists and celebrities on designing tour costumes, music video looks and promotional outfits.”

“I’ve had great feedback and the tribute act has already asked if I might be able to create costumes for their performances later in the year, which I’m delighted about. Here’s to the future!”