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Fashion students help Kate step out in style

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VOTE FOR THE DESIGN YOU THINK KATE SHOULD WEARThere can be no greater honour for a designer than creating a piece for the world's newest royal fashion icon. And next week one lucky student will be given a once in a lifetime chance to create a shoe, based on their own design, for the Duchess of Cambridge.Kate is due to accompany the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to Leicester’s De Montford University as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

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Vice-Chancellor of De Montford University, Professor Dominic Shellard, said it would be "a huge honour" for the winner of the competition. "When asked who their first commission was for at their first job interview they will be able to reply  the Duchess of Cambridge, the world’s leading fashion icon. "Becka Hunt, 20, one of the six students shortlisted from 100 entries, said: "I think Kate always looks really elegant in what she wears so I went for 19th century, romantic chic and took inspiration from her engagement ring for the navy blue velvet of the shoe. "I know she is on her feet all the time at events so if she chose my design I’d make sure there was a lot of padding to make them comfortable. I’m really nervous about meeting her, I hope she likes it. "Fellow student Sam Sawkill, 27, chose an English Rose theme for his pink and black lace footwear.He said: "We've been talking about what to wear when we meet her, I'm thinking a bow tie with my tracksuit since it's such a special occasion.

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"Kate's shoes are usually simple and plain so I wanted to design something different. "She should choose mine because I think they are the most interesting, but chic as well. "I like unusual designs and recently made shoes out of plastic forks, although I don’t think she would have liked those. They are definitely more Lady Gaga or Madonna than the Duchess. "Key Yeng Cheng, 22, from Leicestershire, was shortlisted for her lilac fairytale platform design. She said: "It’s so exciting. My family are very proud. "Kent born Tabitha Duffield, used daisies and pink leather in her design. She added: "Being chosen would mean the world to me".As the Jubilee is being celebrated in the year of the Dragon, Mei Chun Lai, 21, from Taiwan turned to her own culture for inspiration.She said: "The concept comes from the year of the dragon and it’s shape is inspired by a lantern. I wanted to show my background through my design. "Summer Spencer, 23, opted for a design a little closer to home by using tartan as a tribute to where Kate met Prince William at university. "My family are so proud and excited for me!"VOTE FOR THE DESIGN YOU THINK KATE SHOULD WEAR