Beyonce wears DMU graduate's design to open Grammys

This year’s Grammys Awards Ceremony opened in spectacular fashion when Beyoncé took to the stage wearing a bodysuit designed by De Montfort University (DMU) Contour Fashion graduate Nichole de Carle.

Wearing the Onyx Tuxedo in Black from Nichole’s latest collection, the pop queen put on an amazing performance with her hit single “Drunk in Love”.

The singer has become the biggest star yet to join the list of Nichole de Carle London’s celebrity followers, including Paloma Faith, Nichole Scherzinger and Jessie J.

Nichole launched her career within the luxury lingerie market after graduating with a First class honours from the world-renowned Contour Fashion course at DMU in 2005. She specialised in body contour and fit, within lingerie, swimwear, corsetry and bridal wear - skills that later secured her positions at Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan and Pleasure State.

Spurred on by McQueen’s creativity and enthusiasm for high-end design, it was her time spent at his design house that ultimately motivated her to launch her own label in 2008. Since then her designs have won her international acclaim and a host of celebrity fans.

Speaking after the Grammys, Nichole said: “It’s a match made in Heaven. Talented, beautiful and strong, Beyoncé is the true embodiment of the Nichole de Carle London woman.”

Dr Julie King, Head of Fashion and Textiles at DMU, said: “Nichole’s collections are always beautiful and very ‘high-end’ fashion, and therefore it comes as no surprise that an icon like Beyoncé would choose to wear one of her designs for something as important as the Grammys. When Nichole was studying here she was always extremely driven – also working as a student rep and part-time model – and her final year work was just exquisite.“