Summer School at Central Saint Martins

22 finalists. 5 days. 1 team of professionals

“Being part of the FF2 summer school is a one in a million chance for me, an experience I would never have had otherwise. Thanks to FAD I’m here and loving it” - Kusheda Mensah, La Retraite School, Lambeth

After weeks of attending Saturday morning workshops, 22 excited students made it through to Stage 2 of FAD’s Fashion Futures 2 project, and the FAD summer school at London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins.

Over the course of a week they had the undivided attention and expertise of a team of CSM tutors, technicians and fashion students to help make their designs become a fashion reality.

Each student received a one-to-one design tutorial with CSM staff before beginning work on their designs. Keeping to the FF2 brief, they were asked to construct a complete outfit to be worn in the front row of Shanghai Fashion Week, looking to the rich history of Chinese art and the exciting modernity of China’s fashion capital for inspiration.

It was a challenging experience for the group of 17 -19 year olds, some of whom had never even operated a sewing machine before starting the FF2 course in January. Apart from mastering new pattern cutting techniques and learning to use industrial machines, they had to adapt to the pressures of working to a deadline and in a professional, industry environment.

At the end of the week a team of industry experts consisting of Mimi Tran, UK Visual Merchandising Manager for Mango; designers Elspeth Gibson and Tom Vlachioties; CSM lecturer, Patrick Lee-Yow and John Walford, Director, Vauxhall Fashion Scout were on hand to judge the results.

The jury were impressed by the diversity of inspiration and design shown by the finalists. Each student presented their own unique interpretation of the Shanghai theme, from tiered floor sweeping dresses and jersey jumpsuits, to colourful appliqués and embroidered leather.

Keen to see what they had learnt and how they had found the summer school experience, we decided to visit the finalists the day before their deadline. Here’s what they had to say:

On the skills they have developed...

“I feel the experience of the FF2 project and the summer school will change the way I work. When I go back to college in September to do my final year, I will have so much more knowledge of using industrial machinery and pattern cutting” - Charlotte Barrett, Lewisham College, Lewisham

“One skill I definitely have now is to develop my ideas, not just to stick with the first one, but to push it and see how far it will go. I feel I’m going to take a lot of new skills away from this experience” - Terence Ansah-Ayeh, St. Francis Xavier 6th Form College, Wandsworth

On their personal development...

“This experience has made me feel more independent. I’ve enjoyed the feeling of getting up each day and going to work, I have enjoyed the responsibility. The summer school has really helped my confidence in terms of design. The fact I now have the knowledge to draw a design and then the ability to construct it is amazing” - Siphiwe-Nokukhkanya Mnguni, Sydenham School, Lewisham

“The summer school and FF2 project in general has made me more creative. Before I liked everything to be neat, but this has taught me to just go for it and be more experimental with my ideas” - Emily McShane, Our Lady’s Convent High School, Hackney

On the support they have received...

"It’s been really exciting to work with CSM staff and students. I feel privileged, not many people my age would have this opportunity. I’m happy to start my second year at college now. I feel more advanced thanks to this project, the experience has definitely put me a few steps ahead” - Shaunna Muir, City and Islington College, Islington

“I’ve had so much good advice from everyone. I was able to get good and honest answers from the tutors and CSM students about university and working within the industry. I feel much happier making career choices now as a result” - Aysha Simpson, Raine’s Foundation School, Tower Hamlets

On being part of the FAD Junior Awards...

“I feel lucky my school is involved with Fashion Futures 2, I’ve really benefited a lot. I can’t believe I’m making a dress for a catwalk show at London fashion Week. I wouldn’t have that chance if FAD wasn’t involved” - Emily McShane, Our Lady’s Convent High School, Hackney

“The whole experience of FF2 has been a bit surreal for me – the gift of going to Barcelona, showing our work during London Fashion Week and the summer school experience. It’s fantastic!” - April Evelyn Cooper, St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College, Wandsworth