Our Year 10 Textiles students have officially stepped into the world of high fashion as they commence their projects for the Young Fashion Designer UK competition. This year, the theme of ‘Wear the Change’ has inspired the upcycled nature of their ideas. Students are encouraged to breathe new life into old garments, household textiles, or discarded materials by transforming them into fashion-forward pieces. From charity shop finds to unloved uniforms, the challenge is to reimagine waste as wearable art — proving that style doesn’t have to cost the Earth.

The design process began with research into eco-conscious fashion. Our students aren’t just looking at how to make new clothing; they are looking at how to breathe new life into existing ones. Through their vision boards, they have explored color schemes as well as exploring methods to add texture and volume.

Students have been experimenting with:

• Precision Draping: Using mannequins to pin and arrange fabrics, experimenting with how the recycled materials sit on the human form.

• Technical Problem Solving: Learning how to work with different fabrics to manipulate them and create patterns, 3-dimensional effects and effective use of fabric to reduce wastage.

Take a look at what students have produced so far and keep an eye out for what’s yet to come!

The competition is open to students aged 11-18, so if you are interested in taking part, speak to Mrs Pattni for more information.