University News Last updated 14 September
Visitors to Birmingham Botanical Gardens will be greeted by flags, displaying fashion design work by Birmingham City University (BCU) students.
As part of the ‘Fashion in Nature’ project, bold prints and outerwear designed by first-year Fashion Design students are on show as part of the Garden’s Outdoor Plant Sale space.
“We are bringing together two first-year student projects, inspired by the natural world and informed by ethical design, a growing need in the industry,” said Sian Riley, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design.
“By pairing bold prints and sustainable garments, made with end-of-life materials, we are encouraging our students and the wider community to take a more considered approach to design and think about what materials they use.”
This is where BCU’s module ‘Fashion Systems’ comes in. By making use of deadstock from these sources, students are highlighting the importance of material innovation.
“Finding new sources of textiles and materials is a skill in the fashion industry,” Sian added.
“We are giving our students the opportunity to learn, but also have their work celebrated in spaces away from campus where it can be admired by the general public.”
Eve Ashcroft, who is starting her second year in BA Fashion Design, has her work exhibited at the Gardens. She was inspired by vibrant and textured plants for her prints and transformed equestrian and jockey outfits for her fashion design workwear.
“Having my first-year work displayed in a place such as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens has given me confidence in my abilities and motivated me to continue developing my skills as a designer,” Eve said.
“This project has taught me to embrace my creativity and trust my designs rather than constantly critiquing what I create.
“I have also learnt to think more deeply about my designs, considering not only their visual appearance but also their practicality and functionality.”
This is the fourth summer showcase at the Gardens for BCU, as part of a long-term partnership between the two organisations.
“BCU's work to explore possibilities for re-using and re-purposing textiles aligns with the Gardens' ongoing commitment to consider more sustainable practices,” said Rachel Gillies, Engagement Manager at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
“We welcome this opportunity to share students' work with our visitors, providing a welcome splash of colour and creativity along with a serious message about use of planetary resources.”