This year’s Fashion show entitled ‘Disrupt’ saw the students returning to producing a live event in school after two long years. It was such a treat to be back in the theatre with an audience to help celebrate the student’s incredible achievements. Creations this year ranged from students in year 9 designing garments in response to the theme of ‘Fears and Phobias’ to Year 13 students showcasing their final collections developed as part of their Textiles coursework. 

Students in year 12 all working with the theme of ‘Fragments’ created two spectacular catwalks. Dulcie Joseph, Eloise Marsh and Bo-Thiel Makenzie worked together to produce some really innovative creations all utilising a muted colour palette of dusty pastels and earthy greys. Bo’s architecturally inspired graphic prints and edgy laser-cut overlays provided a wonderful contrast with Eloise’s delicate print surfaces, fluid lines and crocheted details. With some eye-catching silhouettes, Dulcie’s collection combined oversized ruffles with delicately embroidered surfaces to convey her interpretation of the theme. 

In the second year 12 catwalk, Textiles students Eden Chambers and Natasha Joshi opted for a more vibrant colour palette with both students creating complex pieces that incorporated striking print designs and innovative fabric manipulation techniques. Whilst the spectacular sculptural elements that featured in Eden’s garments were inspired by architectural detailing, Natasha’s vibrant neon prints were derived from symmetry in nature.  

The Year 11 GCSE students, as always, dazzled us with an array of unique garments which saw processes such as foiling, screen printing and embroidered embellishment used to create striking designs. They explored the theme of ‘Beautiful Decay’, drawing inspiration from the natural metamorphosis of weathered surfaces and the evolving coastline of Hastings. 

Performances during the show saw Tiano To in year 10 playing a stunning rendition of ‘Once around the sun: November’ by Joby Talbot on violin and, in stark contrast, our resident vocal group ‘The Walnuts’, made up of Eden Chambers, Kate Claessen, Honey Helm and Zoe Laver performed a brilliant cover version of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, which had the whole audience clapping.  

Our show closed with catwalks by our wonderful year 13 students who all presented collections based on their own personal themes. Flossy Gobey drew inspiration from Retro Futurism, using metallic prints, pleated surfaces and strong silhouettes to convey an abstract interpretation of metals and industrial clothing. Entitled ‘Aqua Aura’, Millie Murray’s collection was inspired by the colours and shapes that are formed on the surface of water. Through fluid garments shapes and oceanic print designs she created pieces that wear the same elegance that the ocean carries. Last up was Mabel McLeod, whose dramatic catwalk closed the show in style. Taking inspiration from skin and bodily forms, Mabel used latex and embroidered embellishments to convey visceral forms. The fluid silhouettes of the garments communicated the natural movement of the body.  

Massive congratulations to everybody who took part in this year’s show and thank you to all the students and staff who have worked so incredibly hard to make the event such a huge success.