Fashion Futures 1 2009: Future Natural
“Take Darwin’s journey into the 21st Century”

This year FAD’s Fashion Futures 1 (FF1) project takes its inspiration from the explorer and naturalist, Charles Darwin, whose bicentenary is being celebrated in 2009 with a flagship exhibition at the Natural History Museum.

This summer we are inviting Year 10 (aged 14 -15) students from across London and Salford to embark on their own journeys of creative discovery. From dodos and lizards to the landscapes of the Galapagos, they will look to science and nature to create outfits with a future fashion twist.

Led by experienced professional fashion tutors, students will learn about the whole fashion design process – from initial research to illustration, customisation and sewing a final garment - and will have the opportunity to style and present their outfits in a photoshoot and catwalk show. Students will find out about courses and careers in fashion, and also meet designers, stylists and make-up artists who will pass on professional fashion industry advice.

To see the young designers at work, please click the links by borough on the top left of this page.

CAMDEN, ISLINGTON & WESTMINSTER

Fashion Futures 1 for Year 10 students in the Central London boroughs took place at The London College of Communication from Monday 27th March - Friday 3rd April.

“Fashion Futures 1 is a really excellent course to help young girls like me to understand more about fashion. I learned how to make clothes and now my mum is saying we should buy a sewing machine so I can make more!” – S.R, St George’s Catholic School

“I think the university talk was very useful; it gave me an idea as to what I might want to study and courses I might want to go on to in the future” – N.P, Camden School for Girls

“I really enjoyed the course, I learnt more about fashion and made new friends as well” – N.G, Paddington Academy

HACKNEY & TOWER HAMLETS

Fashion Futures 1 for schools in Hackney and Tower Hamlets took place at Hackney Community College from Monday 6th - Friday 10th July.

“I enjoyed the fashion illustration because I loved combining art and fashion” – Ella, Stoke Newington School

“The course helped me a lot to decide whether to study fashion. I have learned to expand my creativity and imagination with the great skills FAD have taught us.” – Alexie, Clapton Girl's Technology College

“It was a very unique and helpful course. Something I would do again and definitely recommend to others. It was a great experience!.” – Aisha, Cardinal Pole RC School

NEWHAM

Fashion Futures 1 took place at the University of East London from Monday 13th - Friday 17th July.

“This course has helped me in many ways – technically and in my confidence. I feel this project will help in my work at school. I have learnt that the more creative you are, the better the end product is.” – Jezzell, Brampton Manor

“I really enjoyed working with FAD and have had a great experience. I now have a better understanding of fashion in the industry.” – Zaynab, Plashet School

“I really enjoyed the sewing and think it is a skill I will have for life.” – Faiza, Lister Community School

SALFORD

Fashion Futures 1 took place in Salford at The University of Salford from Monday 29th June - Friday 3rd July 2009.

“This course has taught me you don’t give up on what you are doing, even if you can’t do it.” – Chantelle, The Albion High School

“I learnt the more creative you are, the better the garment looks.” – Becky, St George’s RC High School

“I enjoyed the making part during this week. I had a lot of help and that made me confident in what I was making. I have also learnt about the different areas in which I could continue after school.” – Bethany, Moorside High

SOUTH LONDON

Fashion Futures 1 for schools in the South London boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Lambeth and Bexley took place at Lewisham College from Monday 20th - Friday 24th July.

"I really enjoyed the course and I’m definitely thinking of making a career out of fashion. Its inspired me so much that I have had a go at designing my own style of clothing, and I’m soon going to be making some of the designs in my book into clothes.” - Zack, Woolwich Polytechnic

“I have learnt more about careers in fashion, how to style more creatively and to use my imagination.” – Hayleigh, Eltham Hill

“I’ve learnt tremendous sewing skills. I am very confident to go and make my own clothes now.” – Rukiat, Charles Edward Brooke