Hats off to Blackburn College fashion students 05.06.2009
Nine first year BTEC National Diploma Textiles and Fashion students participated in the Frock Exchange Challenge where teams had to fashion an outfit made from clothes, jewellery and curtains up to the value of £20 from the East Lancashire Hospice charity store.
Sophie Hunt, 17, from Bolton, was inspired by a picture of a Versace dress she saw advertised in a magazine for her outfit.
She said: “My partner and I used fabric manipulation and embroidery techniques to create an evening dress accessorised with a feather boa and necklace.
“To accompany this we also made a handbag from a man’s shirt using a print which is in memory of someone who stayed at the hospice.
“I think the outfit reflects my style as I’m a girly-girl who was always dressing up in my Mum’s heels as a child; it was lots of fun and I’d definitely do it all again if I had the chance,” she added.
Among the imaginative creations was a 1950’s summer dress using floral fabric curtains, a child’s punk inspired tartan coat with a Union Jack blanket and a Japanese inspired dress.
Danielle Longhi, Course Leader, said: “It’s the first time the art and textile department has worked with a charity shop and the challenge has shown how easy it is to transform old garments; you don’t need new clothes to make an outfit.
“The students were very keen to get involved with the project even though it’s not part of their college curriculum as it’s for a worthy cause and they are building their portfolio.
“They were briefed on the project in February and have worked on their designs in their own time for around four hours each week; they have worked hard and this is evident in their completed outfits,” Danielle added.
Sharon Crymble, Community Fundraiser for the East Lancashire Hospice, said: “The project is an excellent opportunity for the students to showcase their work as well as promoting local charity shops.
“The designs are very impressive and the students should be applauded - hopefully they will
make people realise that especially in the current climate, charity shops should not be dismissed,” she added.
For further information on courses available at Blackburn College please contact Student Services on 01254 29-29-29 or visit their website www.blackburn.ac.uk.
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