OXFORD-BASED fashion store Olivia May has used local, non-professional models to show off its Autumn/Winter 2017 collection.

Owner Ann Whorrall invited social media enquiries from women interested in modelling high fashion pieces for oliviamay.org.

Emily Ralph, 22, from Oxford, was one of the candidates who jumped at the chance to be a model for the day.

At 5ft 3ins, it is unlikely she would be considered tall enough to be a professional fashion model but she said she really enjoyed taking part in the shoot, photographed by Jasmine Smith.

Ms Smith, 23, from Didcot, works for Olivia May as a stylist in the shop in Little Clarendon Street and is also a photographer for the fashion company, having studied fashion promotion and imaging for the creative arts.

Alongside Ms Ralph, Ms Smith also photographed 24-year-old Oxford University student and first-time model Georgia Pearce, and Najwan Abu Shawareb, 27, a local interior designer and jewellery designer.

All three said they loved the experience and would jump at the chance to do modelling again.

Store owner Ms Whorrall said she was as passionate about creating opportunities for young people as she was about fashion.

A mum of four daughters, with a background in teaching, Ms Whorrall said she wanted to 'keep it real' by providing opportunities for young people to gain experience in the fashion industry.

For the shoot, which took place at iconic sites around Oxford city centre, Miss Ralph, Miss Pearce and Ms Shawareb wore pieces from several AW17 collections, including Les Ours, Jayko and Ewa i Walla.

All items of clothing featured are now available to buy in the store and online.

Ms Whorrall added: "It is important for me that I do what I can to make fashion, and the fashion industry, accessible to as many people as possible.

"We had a great response to our social media campaign, with applications from lots of local women and I’m really pleased with the results of the shoot.

"We used younger faces this time, but we often feature more mature ladies as well.

"I’m proud to have happy, healthy looking women showcasing the Olivia May collections and will definitely consider this again in the future."

Ms Whorrall travels to fashion shows throughout the year on buying trips to hand-pick each item for Olivia May's designer collections.

She chooses designers she can meet and get to know, to understand their motivation and the inspiration behind their work.

For more information about Olivia May telephone 01865 515336 or visit oliviamay.org