Students Design their Fashion Future

“The event was wonderful and gave me my first taster of an exhibition-style show showcasing my own work.” Joely Ella Richardson, St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Combined Sixth Form, Newham

Sixth-form students from across the capital proved that London is brimming with creative talent at the exhibition showcasing work by participants in Stage 1 of this year’s Fashion Futures 2 (FF2) course, held at RichMix, Bethnal Green Road, on 7th May 2008.

During Stage 1, one hundred Year 12 students, drawn from 25 schools and colleges 10 London boroughs, participated in a series of Saturday workshops, working with professionals to develop their fashion design and construction skills. Through a study day at the V&A, workshops in printing, pattern cutting, sewing and design, as well as presentations from a fashion designer, journalist, PR and trend researcher, students gained an in-depth insight into the workings of the fashion industry.

The FF2 brief this year asked the students to design a garment and accessory to be worn in the front row of a catwalk show at Shanghai Fashion Week, inspired by the rich history of Chinese art and the exciting modernity of China’s fashion capital. The elegance of Chinese design was very much in evidence at the exhibition, where sophisticated evening dresses, on-trend jumpsuits and chic separates were displayed alongside vibrant prints, intricate drawings and striking fashion illustrations.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 22 most promising students, who won a place in Stage 2, which consists of an intensive Summer School at Central St Martins, the Industry Workshops and a trip to Barcelona to visit the design studios of Mango, FAD’s retail partner for 2008. These students will show their finished outfits on the catwalk at the 4th FAD Junior Awards in October 2008, where the prize winners will be announced.

‘I find this course very helpful and fun. I enjoy every minute of it and I would do it all again - anytime, anywhere!’
- Ken Q Lam, Cardinal Pole RC School, Hackney

‘The FAD course not only gives an insight to the rush and creativity of the fashion world but an opportunity for students from all over London to be inspired and learn new skills that will be useful no matter what path they choose to take.’
- Dina Adlani, Parliament Hill School, Camden

‘It makes me realize that the fashion industry is much more than just the glamour stuff, it’s a lot of hard work making a garment.’
- Sarah Boateng, Saint Francis Xavier 6th Form College, Wandsworth

‘I find this course very professional. At the moment this course is really helping me gain knowledge and skills in fashion like tailoring, designing, etc which is really going to help me a lot in my future.’
- Ishanta Thakali, Negus 6th Form, Greenwich