Education

Innovation through technology and design has been key to the recent growth in the industry in Leeds City Region. However, action is needed to transfer skills and maximise the opportunities to build on what exists now.

The role of fashion in engaging young people in educational and life chance aspiration is pivotal and any plans to promote fashion for the region must take the opportunity to use fashion’s appeal for their benefit.

Leeds Metropolitan University were closely involved in both the Harvey Nichols and the Behind the Seams projects, with undergraduate Fine Art students providing art and visuals.

The ‘Red Admiral’ collection was inspired by designs of final year fashion students from Huddersfield University remaking the garments selected by Leeds Fashion Works using donated Hainsworth red and black doeskin cloth and fine quality leather, kindly provided by Asprey. Each of the garments has been carefully recreated and made up using the traditions of couture. This project was Yorkshire Textiles’ brain child for Yorkshire Wool Week. The collection is available for display.

Promising local student Kate Duckworth was then selected to design the Chancellor’s gown for Gabby Logan, when she was installed as the first Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University. This has been on temporary display at Armley Mills (Leeds Industrial Museum) and is entirely made from Yorkshire Textiles and using the skill of Leeds-based companies. Again, Hainsworth supplied the lengths of red and black barathea for the high profile gown and silk lining was provided by James Hare Leeds. Hundreds of students at Leeds Trinity University have already had the honour of receiving their degrees from Gabby Logan, wearing her elegant and unique gown.