PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS

Fashion Futures 2 student drawing in the new ceramic galleries

One hundred teenagers from London and Greater Manchester attend the launch of Fashion Futures 2011 at the V&A’s Sackler Centre.

2011 marks seven years of the Fashion Futures 2 initiative, an intensive 10 week course which aims to give 16 – 18 year olds, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, a realistic insight into the working world of fashion.

The launch day began with a briefing from the FAD team, introducing students to the project and this year’s theme, ‘New Design Now’. In the afternoon they spent time researching and drawing in the newly restored ceramics, jewellery and glass galleries – taking inspiration from contemporary colour, sculptural silhouettes and new advancements in texture and pattern.

The next step for our young designers will be the practical workshops, taking place simultaneously at Hackney Community College(for students in North London) and Lewisham College (for students in South London). For the third year running, FAD is pleased to be working in partnership with Aimhigher and the University of Salford, bringing Fashion Futures 2 to young people in the Greater Manchester area.

2011 represents a challenging year for charities and local authorities. In spite of cuts in funding, continued demand for Fashion Futures 2 from both schools and students proves there is a strong need for initiatives which bring industry and creative young people together. Now more then ever young people are feeling the pressure to make the right career choices, and FAD can support them to do exactly that.

See more photos from the Research Day in "FF2 in Action".

FAD Project Manager, Joanne Matthews, presents the 2011 brief to students

New Year, New Sponsor

FAD is proud to announce a new sponsor and retail partner for 2011, George at Asda. Their support has enabled FAD to fund ten scholarships for young people who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to participate in the course.

This new partnership is particularly significant as George were sponsors of the first Fashion Futures 2 project in 2005, and again in 2006.

Read more about the George brand on their style blog: georgestyle.george.com

FF2 in Action

The practical workshops which cover everything from figure drawing, print and fashion illustration to draping, pattern cutting and construction will culminate in a exhibition of students’ work in May 2011.

Keep track of our aspiring young designers week by week on the “FF2 in Action” pages, where you can also read the latest Fashion Futures 2 newsletter.