We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the success of one of our Year 12 pupils, Hattie, who recently achieved 2nd place in the prestigious Young Fashion Designer UK competition.

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The competition brings together pupils from across the country, challenging them to respond to industry-style briefs that encourage creativity, innovation and personal expression. This year’s theme, “Wear the Change,” asked designers to explore how fashion can play a role in creating a more ethical and sustainable future.

Hattie’s response stood out for its thoughtful concept and strong storytelling. Inspired by Maison Margiela’s use of reclaimed materials and the traditional Japanese Boro technique of repairing and reusing textiles, her design explored how clothing can reflect the passage of time and personal change.

At the heart of the piece was the idea of identity evolving through experience, influenced by the play People, Places and Things. Hattie brought this to life through references to portraiture and fragments of “past selves,” carefully stitched together to represent growth, resilience and transformation. The use of recycled materials, including blazer fabric, linen and other repurposed textiles, further reinforced the very important message of sustainability. Beautiful hand and machine embroidery added an extra layer of depth, with stitched imagery and textures suggesting memory and emotion beneath the surface. This is a key feature of all of Hattie’s work and was evident in her top grade GCSE work and now into her A Level work.

Hattie’s project also showcased an impressive level of dedication and technical skill. From her initial sketches through to the final garment, she worked through a rigorous and ambitious design process, including:

+ Developing patterns and constructing a fitted bodice using recycled fabrics

+ Layering materials to create texture and depth

+ Experimenting with shape and proportion to support the concept

+ Using embroidery to weave narrative details into the design

The finished piece was both striking and meaningful, bringing together concept, craftsmanship and sustainability in a powerful way. Achieving 2nd place nationally is a fantastic accomplishment, and a real testament to her creativity, commitment and talent.

We’re excited to see where Hattie’s creative journey takes her next, and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.

 

Mrs Smart
Head of Art