Fashion designer Simon Carter dropped in on Kingston College students to give advice on how to get creations from the classroom into stores on the high street.

The menswear and accessories designer, who has shops across the UK, told students how he first created his brand 27 years ago.

“One of my earliest defining moments took place when I was trying to get my accessories into Next,” he said. “The buyer said she would come to my showroom. I cleared my kitchen table, laid out my stock and invited her to view — in my flat, as I did not have a showroom^­  in my early days. One hour later she had placed an order for £27,000; you can imagine my astonishment and excitement.”

Media student Josef Cisneros, 19, said: “I loved the way Simon showed us his products and got us all involved. It was useful to hear how he started on a small scale and built his way up. Simon also talked about other designers such as Paul Smith and how his influence informs the entire industry.”