Upcycled Fashion Takes Center Stage in Cheltenham Charity Shops

Fashion students from Gloucestershire College, in collaboration with Longfield Community Hospice, have brought upcycled fashion to the forefront in charity shops across Cheltenham. The project, a part of the Level 3 extended diploma in art and design (fashion and textiles), tasked students with transforming second-hand clothing into modern, unique designs. The students' hard work culminated in a runway show and, now, their designs are on display in Longfield's charity shops from July 7 to 20.

Key Takeaways:

• 21 charity shops across Gloucestershire, including one in Coronation Square, Cheltenham, are showcasing the students' upcycled fashion designs.
• 17 students from Gloucestershire College's Level 3 extended diploma in art and design (fashion and textiles) participated in the project.
• The project was a live brief that helped students gain vital skills for a future career in fashion.
• Megan England, course leader at Gloucestershire College, acknowledged the students' work as a "wonderful addition" to the annual runway show.
• The collaboration between Gloucestershire College and Longfield Community Hospice supports the local community, promoting a more sustainable fashion approach.
• Longfield's retail team, led by Jo Webster, views the partnership as a way to encourage younger shoppers to adopt sustainable fashion practices.

Statistics:

• 60 hours: the amount of time students spent on designing and upcycling their final pieces.
• 7-20 July: the dates on which the students' designs are being showcased in Longfield's charity shops.
• 21: the number of Longfield charity shops across Gloucestershire displaying the students' upcycled fashion designs.

Sources:

• Longfield Community Hospice
• Gloucestershire College