Two talented college students won a competition to design a shop window display for iconic Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson’s lingerie business.

Retail students at West Cheshire College’s Ellesmere Port campus, Jennifer Grocott, 25 and Elizabeth Davidson, 26, won the chance to design a Valentine’s Day display for the Elle Macpherson Intimates store at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

Store manager Emma Nelson approached the college about the competition which required students to design a display on a budget of just �20.

The winning design was chosen after those taking part presented their designs and ideas to Emma and visual merchandiser Jayne Kelly, who then sent the designs to the Elle Macpherson head office.

Jennifer, who is studying a diploma in fashion retail, said: “It was an amazing feeling when we were told that we had won the competition.

“We got to see what it’s like to work in a retail environment, understand the pressures involved and gain practical experience which I hope will help me secure employment in the future.

“Overall it was a great experience and taught me that visual merchandising is the career I want to pursue.”

Jennifer and Elizabeth only had a week to bring their design to life, which meant sourcing all their own material and making all the props used in the display by hand which included parasols made out of vintage love letters.

Jo Williams, fashion retail programme leader at the college, said:“This was such a great experience for both students.

“They got to have a taste of what it’s like to be a visual merchandiser and gain valuable practical experience.”

Brian Handley, centre manager at Cheshire Oaks added: “The students at West Cheshire College did an outstanding job dressing the Valentine’s window of the Elle Macpherson store.

“The store manager was very impressed with the high standard of work carried out by the students and we are delighted to have been able to provide this experience.

“All of the designs entered into the competition were of an exceptional level and we hope to offer this opportunity again in the future.”

After showcasing their hard work and ability, both students have secured future work experience with the visual merchandiser at the outlet village.