The legacy for global exploration continues this summer as Fashion Futures 1 heads down under in search of design inspiration.

Year 10 students (aged 14 – 15) from across London and Greater Manchester will look to Australia and Aboriginal dreamtime stories to create their own brand of street fashion.

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 on the final day. 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.

Each unique course takes place at a partnership college or university, giving teenagers a realistic insight into what it means to study art & design beyond GCSE’s.

If you are a teacher and would like more information on the 2010 Fashion Futures 1 programme please email us. In the meantime you can see photos from recent projects by clicking on the borough links on the top left of the page.

CENTRAL LONDON

Held in partnership with the London College of Communication (LCC), the first Fashion Futures 1 project of 2010 took place from 22nd - 26th March in Elephant and Castle.

65 Year 10 students from the central London boroughs of Islington, Camden, Chelsea Westminster and Kensington took part. Scroll down to see photos of the workshops in action.

Aboriginal inspiration...

HACKNEY & TOWER HAMLETS

Students from schools in Hackney and Tower Hamlets spent a week at Hackney Community College from 19th - 23rd July 2010 working on their Aboriginal inspired designs.

"I’ve learned how the fashion industry works. The commitment is really important and you have to be enthusiastic about the work." – Haminatu, Haggerston School

"I’ve had fun with the workshops. It’s been very much an eye opener on what I want to do in the future." – Deborah, Our Lady's Convent High School

"It’s been a great experience using the industrial sewing machines in the workshops, and getting better at using them throughout the week." – Whitney, Raines Foundation School

Fashion Futures 1 at Hackney Community College

NEWHAM

Held in partnership with the University of East London (UEL), Fashion Futures 1 took place in Newham from 5th - 9th July 2010.

Part funded by Aimhigher, Year 10 & Year 9 students from schools across the borough took part in a week of workshops in the fashion studio, culminating in a photoshoot in the university grounds.

"I have enjoyed this experience and learnt a lot which will help me a lot in my GCSE’s. Through this experience I feel I have become more confident." – Haleemah, Plashet School

"I have really enjoyed this week and I have definitely gained a lot more confidence on the sewing machines." – Arooj, Lister Community School

"I enjoyed the course, and I found it fun as well as interesting. I am considering doing a textiles/fashion course at college, and hope to carry onto university." – Sahra, Sarah Bonnell School

SALFORD

On 9th July the F.A.D. team headed north to run a week of Fashion Futures 1 workshops at the University of Salford. Part funded by Aimhigher Greater Manchester, the project introduced 50 students from local schools to university life and the F.A.D. A-Z of Design.

The week ended with a professional catwalk show and photoshoot at Buile Hill Park. Scroll down to view some of the creative highlights from the week.

Posing in finished outfits

SOUTH LONDON

Thanks to funding from Aspire and The Walcot Foundation, F.A.D. was able to offer a record number of fully paid places on this year's Fashion Futures 1 course at Lewisham College.

Aspire Aimhigher South East London paid for 50 teenagers from Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich, Wandsworth and Bexley to take part in the course, while The Walcot Foundation provided funding for 25 young people from schools in Lambeth.

The course which took place from 19th - 23rd July 2010 drew F.A.D.'s summer projects to a close with a vibrant catwalk show attended by family, friends and teachers.

Students model their own designs in a professional photoshoot