FAD & River Island collaborate to offer FAD alumni online mentoring during lockdown.
We’re excited to share work from our #FADlovesRiver lockdown collaboration – where River Island designers mentored FAD students online, helping them to develop commercial portfolio projects based on their local environments.
Shalom’s candy-toned pops of graphic art are inspired by Plaistow and Tooting
Shalom says “I was able to truly develop key skills that I can put to use within my portfolio. I thoroughly enjoyed the mentoring by my mentor. Creating a great way of communication with professionals within the industry and getting advice for my portfolio and project was a privilege itself, especially as we are in a pandemic.”
Lucy’s Made in Dagenham’ explores the architecture, history, personality and spirit of Dagenham.
“FAD X River Island project has been exciting, especially during this pandemic, it’s been something that has given me limitless inspiration. It has also given me an opportunity to challenge myself by designing sportswear for the first time ever. Working with my mentor Lucinda has been a dream, she has elevated my work a lot and helped me in countless areas of work. I couldn’t thank her and everyone involved in this project enough.”
Zulfa’s dynamic project combines inspiration from 60s icon, and Neasden local, Twiggy, and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – aka Neasden Temple
Zulia says “Thank you for this amazing opportunity , I think it’s really quite hard to spark motivation and creativity in a time like this , but this project alongside Emma’s incredible mentoring has enabled me the abilitiy to engage with this experience and produce an outcome that I’m actually really quite proud of.”
‘It’s always sunny in Lewisham’ by Francesca is a love letter to our favourite South London borough.
Francesca says “I’ve really enjoyed this project, as it has given me something to work on and develop during lockdown, and the advice I received from my mentor was second to none. It has allowed me to create content for my portfolio and simultaneously practise my research and development skills; it’s been really beneficial”.
Ellie takes inspiration from Richmond for her beautifully illustrated collection with a vintage, high-end flair
“The project really educated me about the stages a designer goes through, from the initial concept to a finished line-up. The mentoring from River Island really helped me to develop my skills when creating a portfolio and taught me priceless industry techniques which will be extremely useful when beginning my degree.”
Jenny presents a detailed, technical collection with a colour palette inspired by the urban nature around her.
Jenny says, “Thank you so much to FAD and River Island. Cat and Danielle have been absolute wonders. I felt welcome at all times, as everyone involved has been so inspiring and lovely. Working on a project like this during Covid times was constantly motivating and unique opportunity. It provides me with an answer to the question “what have you been up to?” during a time where very little was available. I experienced an thrilling learning curve over the past few weeks and I am so happy with the work I have produced.”
Iris explores trends from the 70s for a “night out”, with inspiration is coming from Angolan cultures and the country itself, and from the artist Gina Kiel.
Iris says “I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project and have such a nice mentor. It has given me something to look forward to and keep myself occupied during these difficult times. I have really enjoyed doing this project.”
Jeneba finds inspiration in the friends and family around her.
We would like to thank all the participating young people and the River Island mentors for their advice and support.
