Next generation fashion designers aged 11-18 claimed the catwalk at Heathfield’s legendary 2023 Fashion Show– this year’s theme of which was Primavera – springtime and the energy of new beginnings.
A hive of creativity, the school has nurtured the talent of famous figures such as Isabella Blow, fashion editor and close friend of the late Alexander McQueen, Tamara Mellon OBE co-founder of Jimmy Choo, model and actress Sienna Miller, models Amber and Tallulah Le Bon, and fashion stylist Charlotte Stockdale whose credits include styling and fashion direction for British Vogue, i-D, and GARAGE, as well as shows for Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, and Viktor&Rolf. The school also enjoys a close relationship with the London College of Fashion, a unique collaboration with Parsons Paris and a partnership with Falmouth School of Art.
A truly memorable night full of glitz and glamour, the show featured the boundless talent and creativity of Form 1 (Year 7) up to Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13 – A Level) students who posed, passed and walked on the catwalk as they showcased their stunning garments.
For their collection, Form I students painted T-shirts with flowers and created organza head pieces. The choice of flowers as a design represented the blooming and flourishing nature of spring. The use of T-shirts as the canvas for the designs allowed for a casual and accessible medium for showcasing the students’ creativity and interpretation of the theme.
Form II designers created organza brooches which showcased their design and sewing skills. Organza is a lightweight and sheer fabric that has a delicate and elegant appearance, which allowed the girls to create delicate and intricate flowers. By creating organza brooches, the students were able to demonstrate their ability to create unique and eye-catching accessories.
Form III designers created corsets (with the help of Fashion Designer in Residence, Miss Payne. The originality in their designs came from students’ individual interpretation of the brief, including the choice of colour, embellishments and other design elements, which allowed each student to showcase their unique style and creativity.
Form III students also created a Denim Collection and upcycled denim to re-use and re-purpose old clothing items into something new and functional. This was a creative and sustainable way to address the problem of textile waste, as well as learning about the design process, textile manipulation techniques and the properties of different materials. The project also encouraged students to think critically about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and to explore alternative, more eco-friendly approaches to fashion and textile design.
Form III Textile Scholar Annabelle Johnson, said, “I was given the exciting opportunity to be able to create a garment for this year’s show with all my own ideas and visions. I feel the inspiration behind my garment was the idea to have fun and express yourself, because I personally feel you can tell a lot about a person’s personality through their outfits. My garment was a reflection on how I see myself, a reflection of me. The two-piece skirt and top are a range of pinks presented in layers of pleated tulle, a fun vibrant outfit to be worn with confidence.”
Form IV Textile Scholar Esme Baum, said, “My inspiration for my garment was to use vines to represent the roots from which flowers would grow during the spring season. I worked with Rachel Payne to construct my own pattern pieces and to create a garment which was personal to me.”
Commenting on the build up to the show Angela Farrugia, Head of Art and Design, said, “The Art Department has been a kaleidoscope of colours, textures and fabrics, as students worked to create the perfect pieces for the runway. From the intricate details of each garment to the creative lighting and set design, the Art Department and students worked hard to deliver a dynamic and immersive experience to the audience. The Fashion Show has been a testament to the passion, creativity and hard work of our students.”
Fashion Designer in Residence, Rachel Payne, added, “I have thoroughly enjoyed watching each collection develop from brooch making, T-shirt painting to full runway pieces. Our younger students have been focusing on hand stitching and learning how to gather up organza and turn it into flowers for brooches and head bands. Form I-III have learnt how to paint with acrylics, mastering colour theory and mixing as well as designing and marking out their patterns. In preparation for the show, I assisted students with design to garment construction. This included a lot of pattern making, looking at construction techniques, textile decoration and tailoring adjustments. I enjoyed every second and I have loved sharing my skills with Heathfield students. They are a such an incredibly talented bunch.”
Heathfield Old Girls, Charlotte Stockdale and Amber Le Bon, provided professional pre-show support and advice for students, helping them to take their show to the next level. Highly acclaimed stylist Charlotte Stockdale, delivered a webinar to GCSE and A Level students on the fashion and styling industry. Model Amber Le Bon – daughter of Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon and super model Yasmin Le Bon – delivered a runway workshop for Heathfield’s student models across all year groups.
Concluding, Sarah Wilson, Headmistress, said, “Heathfield is a school where every girl is encouraged to develop their passion and creativity, supported by dedicated, enthusiastic and exceptional staff. This Fashion Show is a true testament to the hard work and determination of everyone involved, from designing and making garments to planning and running the show; I am so proud of the students and staff for the stunning work that they created and showcased on a truly memorable evening.”
Categories: Heathfield School School News
