A DESIGNER to the stars returned home from London to inspire up and coming fashion students in Northwich.

Former Mid Cheshire College student William Tempest, whose dresses have been worn by the likes of Victoria Beckham, Emma Watson and Leona Lewis, spent the day at London Road Studios on Friday.

The 25-year-old grew up in Middlewich and studied at Mid Cheshire College’s Hartford campus before moving to London at the age of 18 to study at London College of Fashion.

Now, after seven short years since leaving the north west, William has his own high-end label and is in high demand.

“I’ve always been quite creative and at school I was into art and design,” he said.

“I had always dreamed of doing this and was always quite determined but my success is a lot about having been in the right place at the right time.”

William, who went to Cledford Junior School and Sandbach Boys School, worked with Giles Deacon in London and Jean Charles de Castelbajac in Paris before getting through to the final of Fashion Fringe, which William described as ‘the X Factor of the fashion world’.

This enabled him to win the sponsorship and backing to launch his own fashion label.

But, despite rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, William is still in touch with his roots and enjoys visiting family back in Middlewich, including his grandparents and sister.

“It’s good to come back home, see everyone and catch up,” he said.

“They’re excited about what I do and like to hear the stories but it’s nice for me to be a bit normal as well.

“It’s nice to have a break from London because it’s so intense and busy all the time.”

William also put his skills to good use for his family when he made his sister’s wedding dress and her husband’s suit as his wedding gift to them.

His future plans include working on his new collection and a collaboration with a high street brand.

He said: “I’ve got to the point where I’m taking stock of it all.

“I had a hit list when I started and I’ve done it now.”