Finalists Impress at National Fashion Competition

Last Saturday, RGS Worcester hosted the Midlands Regional Final of the prestigious Young Fashion Designer UK (YFDUK) competition. Now in its fifteenth year, YFDUK celebrates the creativity and technical skill of young designers aged 11-18 years, offering a national platform for pupils to showcase their work and explore future opportunities in the fashion industry.

Out of over 250 entries from more than 50 schools across the Midlands and North, just twelve finalists were selected to present their designs at RGS. The day offered a programme of activities, including a fast-paced Upcycle Challenge, talks from industry professionals and a gallery-style exhibition of the pupils’ final pieces.

One of the highlights of this year’s competition was the success of Upper Sixth pupil Frankie Reed, who was shortlisted once again after winning the overall title last year and receiving the Fashion Icon award. Frankie’s continued success reflects her extraordinary creativity and dedication, as well as the strength of the Textiles Department at RGS Worcester– a subject that is offered throughout Years Seven to Upper Sixth, which is increasingly rare in UK schools. Frankie will go on to study Fashion Design at University and her journey perfectly illustrates the value of a strong foundation in creative education.

This year’s competition centred on the theme ‘Eco Thread Challenge – transform the threads of yesterday to the fabrics of tomorrow’, with entrants submitting a range of themed design work for judging by a panel of industry professionals. Those selected for the Finals Day demonstrated skill and innovation and a thoughtful response to sustainability in fashion.

During the day, Upper Sixth student Frankie Reed won the Upcycle Challenge and came 2nd in the Design category, with Lower Sixth student Bella Coventry receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Design category as well. Lauren Egginton came in the top four at Year Nine level and Ruby Li came 2nd in the Years Seven and Eight category for the second year running with Benicia Ntivunwa receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ award.

Headmaster, Mr John Pitt, commented: “Thank you to our exceptional Textiles Department for hosting YFDUK so successfully again this year. It was excellent to see the finalists make full use the Textiles facilities at RGS and then to celebrate their impressive work in Perrins Hall. Well done to all five RGS pupils whose talents were recognised. It was wonderful to see Textiles thriving and RGS leading the way.”  

Head of Textiles, Mrs Jo Bishop, added: “This is truly something to celebrate. The standard of work from all the finalists was remarkable, and we are immensely proud of our pupils’ achievements.”

The competition continues to grow in popularity each year, helping pupils gain invaluable experience, connect with industry mentors and pursue careers in fashion and the wider creative industries. Well done to the Textiles Department and Support team for organising an excellent event which really showcases our Textiles provision and the talent of RGS pupils.