Vogue, Netflix and WWE on the CV of Mason Richards, aged 16

Most sixteen-year-olds are still working out what goes on a CV. Mason Richards already has Vogue, Netflix and WWE on his.

The teenager from Rame in west Cornwall has become the first person in the county to receive a Vogue Summer School bursary, and his fashion design work is already being worn by professional wrestlers on screens around the world.

A first for Cornwall

It started when Young & Talented Cornwall (Y&TC) got in touch with Lorraine Alonso, Mason’s textiles teacher at Penryn College. She suggested he apply.

Twenty applications came in from all over Cornwall. Mason was chosen to go on the pre-college Vogue Fashion Business course in London this summer.

Vogue had approached The Colyton Foundation, a charity that partners with Y&TC to champion exceptional talent, offering a full tuition scholarship. Working closely with the foundation and Falmouth University, another Y&TC partner, the team sent out invitations for applications.

Two weeks inside the world of Vogue

“There were eighteen of us, three from the UK and everyone else from different parts of the world,” said Mason.

“It ran for just under two weeks and we did so much, including visiting Conde Nast and seeing pages of Vogue magazine being laid out. There were talks from guest speakers like John Muleba, who’s worked as a creative director for Burberry and other top brands, and demi-couture fashion designer Ellie Minser, whose creations regularly appear on red carpets.

“It was a surreal, fun experience and I learned so much.”

The Newquay graduate who helped choose him

One of the people assessing the applications was Reuben Lodge, 23, from Newquay, who received Y&TC funding himself when he was a student.

“Reuben has gone on to graduate from Central Saint Martins with a first-class degree in Fashion Design Womenswear,” said Cathy St Germans, a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall and former fashion journalist.

“He has launched his own womenswear collection and now works for influential fashion designer Phoebe Philo, which I have likened to him being signed by Real Madrid in terms of prestige.

“It’s wonderful to have Reuben actively involved in helping talented young people in Cornwall get amazing opportunities like this and the Y&TC team are deeply grateful to him, Vogue, the Colyton Foundation, Falmouth University and everyone else involved.”

From gaming with his brother to WWE commissions

Mason’s link with WWE began when he started noticing the wrestlers’ outfits while gaming with his brother. He began following a WWE costume maker and, at just thirteen, kept tagging and messaging until he was given the chance to create a design.

More commissions followed. His customers now include professional wrestler and model Maxxine Dupri.

“Netflix screens matches live from America, and I try and watch when my designs are being worn,” he said. “It would be very cool to see them for real and meet the wrestlers wearing them.”

Finding his niche

Mason is dyslexic and struggled at school, but found his place in textiles. He is now studying for an art and design diploma at Truro & Penwith College.

“Thanks to Young & Talented Cornwall giving me the chance to go to Vogue’s summer school, I’ve got much more confidence and hope,” he said.

“I was very shy when I first arrived but after a couple of days, I made friends and had the best time. I was even chosen to give a speech at the end of the course which is something I never thought I’d be able to do.”

What’s next at Falmouth University

First launched in 2005 and formerly known as the Lord Lieutenant’s Fund for Youth, Young & Talented Cornwall helps young people who show outstanding talent in music, sports, science, writing or the arts.

As part of a new fashion industry initiative, Mason and everyone who applied for the Vogue summer school place are invited to a day-long event at Falmouth University on Tuesday 24 November. Renowned fashion critic Sarah Mower will be there, alongside Reuben.

Anyone else interested in attending can contact Sarah Waller, Y&TC programme coordinator, at [email protected].

📷Mason Richards. Credit: Toby Weller