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Model pupils – local students steal the show after UEL fashion skills workshop

Thursday 24 July 2008

Stylish students from local schools became model pupils after taking part in an intensive week-long fashion workshop at the University of East London (UEL) Docklands campus from 14-18 July.

Thirty-four girls from four Newham schools – Sarah Bonnell, Kingsford, Cumberland and Royal Docks – participated in the Fashion Futures project, which culminated in a catwalk show attended by family and friends on Friday 18 July.

Lucy Jones, Subject Director for Fashion at UEL, told the assembled audience: “We’re here this afternoon to celebrate the wonderful work that local pupils have accomplished here over the last five days.

“It’s been a real pleasure to have them around; they’ve all been extremely adult, professional and creative, and have produced some fantastic designs for the final show.”

The Fashion Futures workshop was organised by Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD), an organisation aimed at inspiring young people to develop key skills for their future. Fashion lecturers and industry professionals led the worskhop activities, and the pupils were given extra advice and support by current UEL students.

Reyes Lora, Director of Educational Projects at FAD, said: “The pupils enjoyed a thorough introduction to the A-Z of fashion – from initial research and design through garment construction to a photo shoot and fashion show. They worked really hard and were extremely excited about modelling their designs on the catwalk."

Cherry Leahair (15), of Plaistow, was among the pupils taking part in the project. Cherry, a Year 10 student at Royal Docks Community School, said: “It’s been an excellent workshop – a really good experience that’s definitely made me more interested in studying fashion. Making the garments was fun, and it’s been mind-blowing to be in our very own show.”

Angela Joao (15), of Plaistow, added: “It’s been a fun-filled week, full of interesting activities, all building up to the show. Taking part has really boosted my confidence and given me a great taste of what it’s like to be involved in an actual catwalk show.”

UEL has excellent links in the fashion industry and is renowned as a leading university for Fashion and Textiles. For further information, visit www.uel.ac.uk/ava or contact Nadia on 020 8223 2517.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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