Navigation

Related Articles

Filter by Category

Filter by Author

Back to Latest Articles
Learning from a master designer

Learning from a master designer


Niralee Pattni
Niralee Pattni
Learning from a master designer

Last week, our Design & Technology department was buzzing with high-fashion energy as Year 9 and 10 students participated in a specialist workshop led by industry expert Usha Doshi. This unique session gave our aspiring designers a true taste of the professional fashion world.

Usha Doshi, a celebrated pattern cutter and designer, is renowned for her innovative approach to “creative cutting”. For our students—especially those currently taking GCSE Textiles or those in Year 9 considering it for next year—this was a rare chance to learn high-level industry techniques directly from a leader in the field.

The workshop was a hands-on dive into how simple cuts can transform flat 2D fabrics into 3D structures and fabric forms. Students worked directly on mannequins to create unique shapes, textures, and structures.

“The main aim of the workshop was to enable students to explore their own creativity through fabric manipulation and innovative cutting.”

With guidance from Usha, students were encouraged to ‘break rules’ and simply ‘play’ with the fabric, to see where it would take them. Using provided materials, students experimented with intricate folds and geometric cuts to see how fabric behaves. The classroom was filled with “toiles” (prototype garments) that showcased a range of sophisticated techniques, from delicate gathering to bold, architectural drapes.

I was so impressed by how students participated so positively and really took on the new techniques and expert guidance from Usha. She also commented on how taken aback she was, by the ability of our students, many of them having a natural instinct when working with fabrics and sewing. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see how their classroom skills translate into the fast-paced, creative world of professional fashion and I look forward to seeing how students use these techniques in the upcoming project work.

Related Articles

Beavering away on the D&T Textiles NEA!
Textiles

Beavering away on the D&T Textiles NEA!

Our GCSE Textiles students have been busy bringing their creative ideas to life as they work hard on their practical projects. This year, they have been designing and making...

Posted on by Niralee Pattni
From Cinema to Stage!
Textiles

From Cinema to Stage!

Over the course of the past two months, our D&T students have been working hard on their practice NEA projects. They were tasked with selecting their favourite film and...

Posted on by Niralee Pattni