THE INTRICATE costumes of ancient Egypt have been recreated by fashion students at South East Essex College.

Fifty-five first year BND fashion and clothing students visited the Tutankhamen exhibition at the O2 Arena, in London, as well as the Beecroft Gallery, Westcliff, for inspiration.

The Westcliff gallery has a collection of 1920s fashion, which was influenced by the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb.

Bosses at the gallery allowed students to photograph the clothes, which had to be handled carefully with gloves. They then created different pieces based on their visits.

Holly Facey, 18, from Leigh, created a mirror using Egyptian themes, including a peacock's feather, a snake and jewellery.

She said: "I like the way the different elements of the mirror all fit together, and that you see something new every time you look at it."

Emma Bailey, 17, from Wickford, created a tent in the shape of a pyramid.

She bought a children's tent, cut it in half, spray painted it gold and covered it in hieroglyphics.

The centrepiece was a falcon made from fabric.

She said: "I remember learning about Egypt in primary school, so it was interesting to revisit it from a different angle and learn how it influenced fashion design."

Course leader Joanne Stringer said: "The students have used traditional techniques, including weaving, embroidery, knitting and printing, and have created an impressive array of designs.

"It was great to see them take Egypt as a theme and give it a fashion twist.

"Many of the students were greatly inspired by their visit to the Beecroft Gallery, in Westcliff.

"A lot of people don't realise we have such a fantastic costume archive right here on our doorstep, and it was great to work in conjunction with them."

The Fit for King exhibition took place at SEEC's gallery in Luker Road, Southend and finished today.