YFDUK Celebrates Creativity, Innovation and Sustainability
On Saturday 8 June, RGS Worcester hosted the finalists of the prestigious Young Fashion Designer UK (YFDUK) competition. Out of 250 entries from over 50 schools across the Midlands and North, twelve talented finalists were selected to showcase their innovative Textiles work.
This exciting event celebrated the exceptional design skills of students from Years Seven to Twelve, drawing participants from as far as Manchester and Derbyshire. This year’s focus was on sustainability in fashion and textiles, with the young designers participating in a two-hour challenge inspired by the TV show ‘Sewing Bee.’ They creatively upcycled denim to meet a brief, and then displayed their creations, discussing their design and manufacturing processes with industry professionals.
Among the talented finalists was Sixth Form student Frankie Reed. Frankie won the Design Category, and also secured the Runner-Up spot with her upcycled creation. Besides the competition, students engaged in a practical workshop and attended an insightful presentation by two former YFDUK winners, who shared their career journeys.
The Junior version of the competition, for Years Seven and Eight, also saw impressive performances from RGS pupils. Year Seven pupil Ruby Li received a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate and various design items, while Dylan Hatchett, also in Year Seven, won the Junior competition. Both students were thrilled to receive their awards.
Headmaster, Mr John Pitt expressed his admiration, saying: “Thank you to our exceptional Textiles Department for hosting YFDUK and supporting the students so well. It was excellent to see them use the Textiles facilities at RGS and celebrate their impressive work. It was wonderful to see Textiles thriving and RGS leading the way.”
Head of Textiles, Mr Jo Bishop added: “Congratulations to Frankie for winning the Design Category and being the Runner-Up in the Upcycle Challenge. We are also delighted for Ruby and Dylan’s achievements in the Junior competition. This is truly something to celebrate; well done to all three pupils.”
The achievements of these young designers highlight the commitment to excellence and creativity developed at RGS Worcester. Congratulations to all who participated and to those whose achievements have been recognised.
