In January, 130 teenagers from Greater Manchester and London discovered a treasure trove of inspiration in the V&A’s newly opened Medieval and Renaissance galleries.

The research day marked the launch of FAD’s Fashion Futures 2 project – an intensive 10 week course which gives 16 -18 year olds a realistic insight into the working world of fashion.

The day began with a briefing from the FAD team, and introduction to the vast new galleries by Curator, Matthew Storey and Fashion Designer in Residence, Julie Sissons.

The young designers sketched works of art in the newly restored galleries – from luminous stained glass and gleaming enamels to intricate carved ivories and majestic architectural pieces. They also spent time investigating the famous fashion exhibits, and in particular the innovative and cutting edge designs of the 2008 RCA graduates.

The next step is the practical workshops, which take place at Hackney Community College (for students in North London) and Lewisham College (for students in South London). For the second year running, FAD’s newest Fashion Futures 2 project will take place at the University of Salford with teenagers from colleges in the Greater Manchester area.

2010 EXHIBITION

On Monday 10th May 2010, Fashion Futures 2 students from London and Manchester presented a collaborative exhibition of one off designs inspired by the stunning new Renaissance & Medieval galleries at the V&A museum. F.A.D. volunteer and journalism student, Joanne Prempeh reports.

GREATER MANCHESTER FINALISTS

Adam Preece, 18, Tameside College

2010 F.A.D. SUMMER SCHOOL

This year’s Fashion Futures 2 Summer School took place at The University of East London (UEL), marking the beginning of an exciting partnership for creative charity F.A.D.

The 24 finalists (4 from Greater Manchester, and 20 from London) spent five days with a team of expert tutors, technicians and graduate mentors creating their final outfits for the London Fashion Week catwalk.

The themes of Renaissance and new luxury have inspired the young designers, with draped silhouettes and opulent jewel shades cited as key influences from their research trip to the V&A.

"I think FAD is brilliant. The whole experience has been amazing and I’m just so thankful, because not everyone gets to do stuff like this. I did Fashion Futures 1 with FAD when I was in Year 10, that was great as well. I enjoyed it last time, and I knew this time was going to be so much harder, but also so much better in a way." – Chelsea Ward, Plumstead Manor (Greenwich)

Chelsey Ward, Plumstead Manor; Andre Augusto, Hampstead School; Black & blue dress by Andre Augusto.

Monday 20th September 2010
Written by Grace Wales-Bonner, 2008 F.A.D Award Winner

The future of British fashion looked promising last week, when 24 talented young designers showcased their creations on the catwalk at the 2010 F.A.D Junior Awards.

2010 F.A.D Winner David Short takes to the catwalk

Held at the prestigious Freemason’s Hall this year’s show celebrated the hard work and creativity of teenagers from London and Greater Manchester. A stunned David Short, 17, from Lewisham College was named overall winner, making him the first boy in six years of the project to take the award.

A crowded house of press and fashion industry, including iconic designer Zandra Rhodes, attended the award ceremony at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Alongside supportive teachers, friends and family, the audience gathered to see the competitors’ exploration of ‘New Luxury’. Drawing inspiration from the V&A’s new Medieval and Renaissance galleries, the designs were of an exceptionally high standard.

Prize giver, volunteer and member of the F.A.D jury, Susan Aubrey-Cound (Director of Multi Channel Development at Marks & Spencer) touched on the enormity of the task of selecting one winner. She relayed how impressed the panel had been with "the fearlessness, imagination and maturity" of the young people's approach.

David Short's winning design; Award for Creative Pattern Cutting, Andre Augusto

Selected from 130 other applicants, David impressed the judges with his chic emerald green dress. His sophisticated draping exuded regal elegance while also being both modern and wearable. David’s garment won him a placement with London based designers Religion. The winner who describes himself as "a bit obsessive when it comes to fashion" hopes to eventually study Womenswear Design at University.

Other winners on the night included 18 year-old Andre Augusto from Hampstead School (Camden). Andre was presented with the Creative Pattern Cutting Award for his dramatic, sculptural black and navy dress. His original approach to illustration and his attempt to make the female wearer feel "dominant and powerful" were particularly successful.

Award for Commercial Innovation, Karmen-Marie Parker; Award for Research, Sarah Kilkenny

A very delighted Karmen-Marie Parker who received the Award for Commercial Innovation, was another deserving winner. The 17 year-old described her on-trend acid wash denim dungarees as "fashionable armour". Parker’s research demonstrated her thoughtful approach to design. She stressed the importance of a garment being ‘sustainable’, increasing relevant as last week saw the first Sustainable Fashion Show to be hosted at London Fashion Week. Unsurprisingly, both runners up were offered work placements by industry guests after the show.

18 year-old Sarah Kilkenny from Ashton 6th Form College was the third runner-up of the evening, presented with the Research Award for her sophisticated sketchbook work and illustrations. The culmination of her in-depth research inspired her interesting plaited neck mini dress, which turned heads on the catwalk.

The finalists all deserve a mention for their hard work, but in particular Naomi Dorton (Lewisham College), Sinead Cloonan (City & Islington College) and Adam Preece (Tameside College) whose garments were well recieved by the front row, which included representatives from John Lewis, River Island and M&S.

Sarah Kilkenny, Ashton 6th Form College;Adam Preece, Tameside College;Naomi Dorton, Lewisham College

Sinead Cloonan, City & Islington College;Illustration by Sinead Cloonan; Charlie Ibouille, Hackney Community College

WINNERS & AWARDS

Read the 2010 Junior Awards winners report written by former F.A.D Finalist, Grace Wales-Bonner, here.

CATWALK SHOW

BEHIND THE SCENES

Flip through our interactive photo album to see images from backstage and the after-show exhibition.