Fashion and textiles students stitch a win with iconic Harris Tweed
A group of fashion and textiles students at Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) have taken home the gold after being recognised by the prestigious Incorporation of Tailors and Harris Tweed Authority at a recent exhibition.
More than 95 students took part in the “Reimagined” fashion project, which was delivered in partnership by the college and the Harris Tweed Authority, after the iconic fabric maker returned garments that were originally created by GCC students more than twenty years ago.
The Reimagined project asked HND students across four different fashion and textiles courses* to reinterpret these garments, along with the iconic fabric, to create a new item for a contemporary audience. The final pieces were displayed at Trades Hall and were evaluated by a panel of judges.
Andzelika Klose (49), Esther Masih (19) and Hillary Tientcheu (25) were crowned winners of the creativity award, whilst Natalie McQuatters (20), Chloe Turner (19), Iryna Nesterenko (47) and Lauren Murray (26) were recognised for craftsmanship. Molly Simpson (22) and Chloe McMillan (28) took home the communications awards.
The winning pieces were panelled outerwear garments, inspired by titles ‘Luxe’ and ‘Nature’ under the theme ‘The Cabinet of Curiosities’.
The project aimed to mirror real industry practice, where designers, fashion technologists and communications specialists work together to deliver a final product, and offered students a genuine experience of industry practice.
Judging was carried out by designer Janet Hanson, Deacon of the Incorporation of Tailors and Mark Hogarth, Harris Tweed Hebrides. Mark was originally part of the project as he modelled some of the garments when he joined the Harris Tweed Hebrides team. Now back as a judge, the experience has been a full-circle moment for him.
Mark said: “The project has brought in technicality, creativity and craft across a number of disciplines in the field. The circular nature of the project, and seeing students recycle garments from 20 years ago needs commended.
“I’ve been really impressed with not only the finished pieces but also the process as a whole. It’s been fantastic to see all these traditional skills, such as sewing, cutting and sketching coming through in such a high-end manner is very impressive.”
Angela MacMillian, curriculum manager said: “The project has been such a full circle moment - over two decades ago our students designed and created pieces for Harris Tweed and to see today’s students take those designs as inspiration and make their own is brilliant and a true testament to the creativity they have.
“It’s so important to us to support student learning with projects that really enhance their experience. Working with a globally recognised Scottish brand with such cultural significance is an incredible opportunity for those up and coming in the industry and we’re so pleased to be able to offer the experience.
“The judges had a tough task selecting the winners, but I’m delighted that our students’ hard work over the last few months has been recognised. Congratulations to everyone who took part.”
The Harris Tweed Reimagined Fashion Project recently won the Enhancing Student Learning Award at this year’s Herald Education Awards. Glasgow Clyde College was also named Further Educational Institution of the Year.
* HND Textiles, HND Fashion Design, HND Fashion Technology and HND Fashion Communications