Fashion students at the University of Sunderland have joined forces with local charities like St Oswald’s Hospice Sunderland to create an array of budget-friendly outfits inspired by Pride.
Cancer research UK charity shop
Charlie Lloyd, Shop Manager at St Oswald’s Hospice Sunderland, said “It was great to have the students in our charity shop.
“They were clearly passionate about second-hand fashion and making more sustainable shopping choices, which is a big part of charity retail.”
Fashion Design and Fashion Journalism students took part in this challenge, where they were tasked with creating Pride themed outfits from clothing they found in a range of charity shops. This is a part of the city’s annual Pride parade that will be taking place on Saturday 28th June.
Fashion Students
Susan Ejenavwome, who studies Fashion Design and Promotion at the University, said: “It was good fun to take part in the challenge and create outfits for the charity shops.
“It allowed us to showcase our creativity but also learn how to work with an industry brief and build relationships with real-life clients. These are all skills that will help us in our future careers.”
This initiative is a collaboration between the University of Sunderland and the Sunderland Business and Improvement District (BID). It is aimed to give students hands on experience working on an industry brief and styling outfits for real-life clients.
Fashion Students with their outfit
The students worked in small groups with staff from a range of charity shops to help bring their looks to life. Prizes were even awarded to the students who best met the Pride-themed brief with their outfits and ten of the ensembles created in the challenge have been chosen to be displayed. They will be on display at various locations across Sunderland throughout June, in celebration of Pride and ahead of their annual celebrations.
Pride inspired outfit
Liz Lamb, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Journalism and one of the co-designers of the challenge commented on the event: “It was a really fun initiative for the students to be involved in. They did research into the Pride festival, looking at symbolism and aesthetics associated with the festival and creating fashion mood boards ahead of the challenge.
“On the day, they worked in groups to style a Pride-themed mannequin for the shop window displays before styling their own individual outfit for £20. There were some fantastic creations, and it was amazing what stylish looks can be created on a budget.”
While the pride celebrations take place in Sunderland over the course of June, make sure to keep an eye out for these looks across the city!
