AN aspiring young photographer from Bridestowe has proven her skills as she was hand-picked by a top international fashion designer who has incorporated her photography into his latest clothing range.

Milly Davies, a 17-year-old student and photography apprentice, had one of her photographs specially selected by British designer Neil Barrett.

The fashion industry tycoon, who is based in Milan and creates clothing for stars like Justin Timberlake and Rihanna, hand-picked Milly’s image of an eagle to be imposed onto his latest range of jumpers, coats and T-shirts.

Milly is currently in her second year of an apprenticeship with Farlap Photography — the company has links with Dartmoor Hawking and was commissioned by Neil Barrett to capture photographs of birds.

Milly was ‘over-the-moon’ to have been recognised by the renowned designer. Her photograph was the only one out of six or seven sent by the company to have been personally selected.

‘Seeing your photograph on the catwalks of Milan isn’t something that happens everyday, it’s pretty exciting!’ said Milly.

‘Neil Barrett commissioned the shoot and the T-shirt he sent with my image printed on to it was just a bonus.’

Born in Devon, Neil Barrett studied fashion in London and has worked for some big name brands, including Gucci and Prada.

Within a year of launching his eponymous label, Neil Barrett opened his first flagship store in Tokyo and in 2002 he staged his debut catwalk show as part of Milan menswear fashion week.

Since then his label has become a household name in the fashion world and his designs are worn by celebrities all over the world.

A Neil Barrett jumper costs between £800 and £2,000 and a woolly hat from the label costs £300. Milly said that she was so pleased that such a high-end brand has used her work and that it was something she definitely intended to add into her portfolio.

Currently Milly attends Plymouth College of Art and Design one day a week whilst she completes her apprenticeship.

Milly, who has a clear passion for photography, said that she hoped to continue a career in the artform and aspires to become a professional photographer.

Sam Clark, of Farlap Photography, said: ‘Neil was looking for a very particular image with a specific angle and that’s exactly what Milly managed to achieve.’

Milly’s mum Sarah Davies said: ‘I am really proud of Milly, I heard that the designer even makes clothes for Ewan McGregor. It is such a great achievement for Milly to have had her pictures chosen, I am just so pleased for her.’