Showcase

Look at the grounds for London's 2012 Olympics and then rewind the clock to 776 BC and the first Olympics of all in Ancient Greece.

That was the brief for the FAD FF2 workshop attended by 50 students from London schools in the boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Camden and Tower Hamlets.

For inspiration we asked them to visit the British Museum's Ancient Greece gallery and then fill a sketchbook and produce a moodboard of design ideas derived from modern Olympic and Ancient Greek shapes, colours and themes. Based on this, they created outfits with a sporty feel and matching accessories.

When? In just seven weeks between January and March. Of course FAD gave them a little help along the way. This included an evening art class involving sketching drapery on a model to teach students how to recreate the folds and pleats seen on Greek statues. Next came a visit to the studios of ASDA design label George for some valuable design tips from fashion professionals. On March 18th in Hackney Community College, the final designs went on display.

The judges Kate Hill from the LCF and Tessa Read from Aimhigher said they were impressed by all the students: "Really thorough research leading to directional design and very impressive for such a young age group," said Kate. Tessa commented "The group showed hard work and enthusiasm."

Kate, Tessa, Maria Alvarez and Reyes Lora from FAD picked 16 students out of the total 50 to participate in an intensive summer school at the London College of Fashion.

The names of the 16 finalists were announced on 26th April. They will be asked to create a unique outfit in just five days and next September all designs will be showcased in a dazzling catwalk display. The overall winner will see his or her design made and sold in selected ASDA stores under the George label and also go on a two-week work placement with George.

FAD Fashion Futures 2 was funded by Arts Aimhigher, the European Social Fund and Equal Partnership, and with the collaboration of George at ASDA, Hackney Community College and London College of Fashion.

FAD Fashion Futures 2 is a creative pathway which links higher education to the fashion industry. Participants gain direct experience of the fashion business including retail, design and manufacturing.