University News Last updated 03 August 2015
Model and fashion icon Erin O’Connor said she "can't wait to come home" to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the fashion industry.
Erin, who was born and raised in Walsall, began her career in modelling after she was spotted by a talent scout during a school visit to the Birmingham Clothes Show. She quickly rose to stardom and is now recognised as one of the UK's most prolific supermodels.
Erin said: "I am truly honoured to become the recipient of such a generous accolade and also humbled to have been chosen by a university that is not only close to my heart but held in the highest regard across the board. I can't wait to come home for the big day and to have the privilege of being amongst some of our finest educators and of course our countries future creative leaders."
With a career spanning over 15 years, Erin has worked with many famous designers including the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren. She has appeared on numerous magazine front covers and been the face of advertising campaigns for Chanel, Armani, and Marks and Spencer.
Commenting on the decision to recognise Erin's achievements, Professor Cliff Allan Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University said: "We are extremely excited to welcome Erin back to Birmingham, and to the University. As an institution which prides itself on creating the next generation of fashion designers and industry leaders, Erin's career and the mark she has made on the fashion industry is truly inspiring to many of our students, which is why we are giving her this award. We look forward to welcoming her in September."
Away from the catwalk, Erin has appeared in several documentaries for television and radio, drawing on her experiences in fashion and mentoring the next generation of aspiring models.
She is also co-founder of the award winning 'All Walks Beyond the Catwalk' initiative, working with influential catwalk designers and top industry creatives to celebrate greater diversity within the fashion industry.
Erin's award ceremony is taking place on the morning of Friday 4 September at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham and will be presented alongside students graduating from the Schools of Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design and the School of Visual Communication.