Fashion Show success

Now in its third year the LJMU Fashion Project, launched in February 2016, engaged local sixth form students interested in studying fashion in higher education.

Students got involved from ten Merseyside schools and colleges including St Hilda's, The Belvedere Academy, St Francis of Assisi, St Julie's Catholic High School, Broughton Hall High, Calderstones, Enterprise South Liverpool Academy, Winstanley College, Childwall Sports and Science Academy and City of Liverpool College.

The aim of the project was to give the pupils an insight into LJMU’s Fashion degree programme. Participants designed and created their own fashion pieces over eight weeks and learnt about the communication element of the degree programme gaining organisational, planning, development and communication skills, working to a deadline and understanding design from a technical perspective.

They were directed by academics and  Level 5 and 6 students, finding out about all aspects of the course and life as a university student. The programme was designed to provide students with all the information they needed to make an informed decision about studying Fashion at degree level.

One of the students commented: 

"The fashion project has been a great programme to be part of, we all got on really well and I have created a magazine as part of a team effort - my CV has been greatly enhanced."

To complete the project, the students took part in a fashion exhibition and catwalk, in-line with what current Fashion undergraduates experience.

Karen Forman, Widening Participation Account Manager said:

"The year 12 students have enjoyed a fantastic opportunity to design and create their own garment or to create a magazine using iconic 'home' images. The students invited parents and close family to a Fashion Show where their work was displayed for all to see."

This collaboration between LJMU departments and local schools underpins the University's strategy of engaging with under-represented groups.