Anyone who has ever seen the television show ‘Project Runway’ knows how stressful and demanding the fashion industry can be.The series follows budding designers as they race against the clock to produce ready-to-wear garments. The articles are then modelled, put in front of the scrutinising eye of a celebrity judging panel with a winner ultimately chosen.Former model Michelle Fray is offering a small scale, local version of this.Come July, she will hold a fashion design summer programme for ages nine to 16, that will test their talent and skill level. The major difference between her programme and the television show, is at the end they all come out winners.The weeklong camp teaches how to sew, sketch designs, choose fabrics and execute the piece. At the end of the programme, participants will have a finished garment to take home.“Instead of just being a sewing class I put the spin on it to be a fashion design class. I address all my campers as fashion designers,” said Ms Fray.“They get the full scope as to how to find inspiration and they get information about the fashion industry and all the big designers. Then I talk about how clothes are made and the different fabrics used, so it is a lot of information they are given, but it gives them a broad spectrum of what a fashion designer does.”Just like in ‘Project Runway’, Ms Fray’s students will be unleashed in a fabric store within Hamilton. With their budget in mind, they have to choose fabrics and trims to complete their garment, which can range from an elasticated waist skirt to a romper.Ms Fray said she also does exercises with the young people where they have five minutes to go outside and find inspiration, be it a flower or colours found in nature. “We add a lot of that fun stuff as well,” she said.Ms Fray modelled as a young teenager and decided she wanted to get into fashion design at age 15. “I spoke to my parents and said ‘I want to pursue fashion’ and my father [William Fray] was very supportive. He said ‘Where to and how much?’“I had been doing it for so long, sewing since I was five years old when my mom taught me how to make baby clothes; it was only natural to choose that as a career.”She attended the American College in London and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City gaining her associate and bachelor’s degrees in fine arts.The designer had the opportunity to work in New York and Los Angeles for some months, before opening her own studio on the Island.She launched the summer programme two years ago after finishing a three-year stint as a fashion teacher at CedarBridge Academy.“With my experience teaching fashion at CedarBridge I discovered this passion there and love for teaching and making that connection with young people in a way that fashion becomes accessible to them.“Everyone likes fashion. We all have our own sense of style so teaching them was very rewarding for me.”She also noticed that parents from other schools wanted her to teach their children how to sew, hence why she started the camp.“The parents didn’t know how to or didn’t have the time, but thought it was important that their children learn. At one time in their life someone taught them, be it their mother, grandmother or some sort of sewing instructor, so I am just continuing the tradition.”She said this camp was a great alternative for young people interested in design or dedicated to learning how to sew. For the first time this year two boys have signed up to take part in the programme, which Ms Fray said is both exciting and challenging.“They are going to sit down with me and plan out what they want to do because teaching boys is different from teaching girls. I think boys are more hands-on so you have to have activities that stimulate them.“They might want to create their own fabric and maybe even incorporate some recycled industrial materials within their design. Boys also want to know every step and how it relates to the overall end process.”She said the programme taught young people important skills, but also increased their self-confidence. “When they leave they have a sense of accomplishment and that is of course the best thing, whether academic or creative, when you see an end product you have made yourself. Kids get extremely excited about that.”There are also two showcases where parents are invited to see their children’s designs. Young people have a part in organising the fashion show, modelling their clothes and choosing accessories to match.Ms Fray said: “They plan the fashion show and plan the scenes and organise the models and the music. I commentate and just keep it simple.”The camp, $295, is offered on a weekly basis from July 2 to August 17 at Ms Fray’s studio at the Old Berkeley Institute. There is space available for six children whose parents are unable to afford the cost.She said the cost was reflective of the activities done throughout the week, but believes every child should get a chance to come. “If I could make it cheaper I would, but I have to pay for the facility and supplies,” she said.There will be a final registration day at the studio, a building to the left of the parking lot with two blue doors, on Saturday from noon to 2pm.Alternatively, parents can e-mail wfray@ibl.bm.