FASHION industry heavyweights will swap the catwalk for the classroom in Parsons Green from 2011 after the launch of a ground-breaking college.

The London College of Style has been set up at the Worx Studio, in Heathmans Road, by fashion expert for ITV's This Morning show Wendy Elsmore.

The celebrity stylist has been left frustrated at a lack of courses for people keen to break into the industry and wants the college to be a UK centre of excellence for fashion styling.

She said: "The college was founded due to a lack of professional, vocational education dedicated to fashion styling, even in London.

"Parsons Green was the perfect location as it is central and easy to get to. London itself is the epicentre of the fashion industry, giving us countless opportunities to connect with the industry for the benefit of students.

"Every term, we are inviting a select group of fashion industry influencers to assess students' work. Those who demonstrate exceptional ability have the chance to be offered jobs or work experience."

The college has been running online foundation courses since the end of October which have been set up by ex-teachers from Chelsea College of Art & Design and the Royal College of Art.

But January will see their formal launch at the Worx Studio with a glamorous three-month course taught by some of the most respected names in the fashion industry.

Teachers at the two-day a week course, held on a Saturday and Wednesday, will include clothing expert Selena Francis-Byden, who helped style the Sex and the City series, and make-up artist Lina Dahlbeck, who has worked with Girls Aloud and Dizzee Rascal.

Respected sunglasses company Oliver Goldsmith, who styled icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, will be represented by the late-founder's daughter Claire.

She said: "We’re delighted to be involved with the London College of Style and helping teach and inspire the fashion stylists of tomorrow."

One student on the course will win a trip to Paris Fashion Week in March 2011 and the chance to attend shows from Chanel and Dior.

But it is not cheap with a place on the course costing £3,407. Alternatively you can learn online from home for £880.

For more information or to book a spot visit www.londoncollegeofstyle.com .