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.