Tuesday 18 February 2014

NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGNERS PUTS ON “LOVE SLOW FASHION SHOW”


On Valentine's Day, a team of eleven, 12 to 15 year olds from Islington, put on their very own “Slow Fashion Show” to showcase over 40 creations they had designed and up-cycled from ex-military wear, unwanted cloth and discarded clothing.

The show was the culmination of five months of after-school workshops, and part of our Kool Kouture programme.

The classes teach young people simple techniques of up-cycling clothing, and motivate them to reuse as well as help them acquire basic sewing and reconstructing skills. 

If you have been following our FaceBook you will know that they have learnt to visualise, create simple patterns, cut and sew straight seams, drape and embellish.  Since last October, they have made handbags, hoodie monsters, run their own Christmas market stall to sell their creations, and put together a collection for the Valentine’s Day fashion show. 

Our young team took on make-up and hair, modelling, styling, photography and hosting - with a little help from Thrifty Couture.  Our friends, London & Newcastle,  gifted their amazing Project Space in trendy Shoreditch for the show, and our collaborators, ReWorks, donated the clothing and cloth.

The participants received certificates documenting their achievements, and prizes appropriate to each age group. These included a paid internship and a full apprenticeship with Thrifty Couture for the older participants, as well as vouchers donated by ethical fashion brand, People Tree.  

For the younger participants, Thrifty Couture gifted a sewing machine and books on clothes recycling and slow fashion.  Benefit Cosmetics in Islington, provided make-up, and GetMoreFood supplied thte Valentine's Day refreshments.





No comments:

Post a Comment