A DESIGNER who previously worked with Cher and Gloria Estefan has described it as “the end of an era” as she closed the doors at Dunbar Fashion School.

Jacqui Burke is returning to the world of designing high fashion collections in a new Edinburgh studio.

It means that the bright pink door will close on the fashion school in her home town’s former library.

She told the Courier that the move came with a heavy heart, as the doors closed for the last time on Monday.

She said: “I have loved setting up and being at the fashion school and all the people I’ve taught, but I’m ready for a new stage of life.

“I’m revitalising my fashion brand and I’m really excited about designing and creating new made to measure fashion items and collections.

“It’s a personal venture that will need all my energy to make it a success.

“I had a big birthday earlier this year and turning 60 means the timing is right for me to focus on designing again.

“It is the end of an era and I’m sad the fashion school will not be continuing.”

READ MORE: Fashion school celebrates award by extending stay in Dunbar

Ms Burke said that attempts had been made to find someone to take on the enterprise.

That included discussions with The Ridge, who, according to Ms Burke, “wanted to take over the building and change its purpose”.

She said: “Ideally it would have been amazing to pass it on to someone who would continue its good work and see it develop and grow.

“We have approached local community groups and community leaders and unfortunately no one wants to take it on.

Jacqui Burke is returning to the world of designing high fashion (Image: Contributed)

“Machines have already been gifted to former pupils so they can keep designing and making their own creations, and other equipment and materials will be donated to Zero Waste.

“So many brilliant people have been involved over the years making the fashion school a powerhouse of creativity and community, and I’ll have all the wonderful memories to carry me through into the future.”

Dunbar Fashion School was established in 2005 before moving into the former library more than a decade ago.

Since then, it has welcomed thousands of young people and adults to enjoy a mix of creative education and training.

Established with the aim of enabling children and young people who were struggling in school to gain skills and confidence while learning how to design and make their own garments, the fashion school expanded to include people of all ages from across the county.

For almost two decades, it has been addressing loneliness and isolation, mental health issues and body positivity and confidence.

The fashion school’s intergenerational project won the 2019 Generations Working Together Excellence Awards for 'Reducing Loneliness and Isolation' and 'Scotland's Most Innovative Project'.

Studying courses in fashion design, textile technology, pattern construction, cutting room practice, knowledge of materials, machine study, garment manufacturing, tailoring and showcasing, students could gain qualifications including the National 5 SVQ in Fashion Design & Textile Technology.

It has also become home to a number of initiatives.

Graduates went on to teach and assist with projects run by the fashion school, including Summer Schools and Fashionkidstas term-time classes that offered creative experiences giving inspiration to young children.

Bespoke programme Girls Allowed was devised in partnership with East Lothian Works to improve employability skills and create positive school leaver destinations with students from across East Lothian.

Modelling clothes created at the fashion school in Dunbar, former and current students of all ages, abilities and body shapes strutted their stuff on the catwalk in a fashion show at Waverley Mall in Edinburgh last year.