Linda challenges students with an innovative design project
09 August 2016
Following a skiing accident, NTU alumna and employability mentor Linda Leaver (BA Hons Economics and Social Sciences, 1984) had a personal experience of struggling to find suitable clothing after spending time in a wheelchair. Based on this she set students a brief to explore the challenges faced by young, fashion-conscious wheelchair users and those who are physically impaired, and create a range of fashionable yet practical garments.
The students undertook thorough research to help inform their designs. After submitting a market and customer profile report, a sketchbook of research including visual imagery, design development and potential fabrics, ten students were put forward to the final stage of the competition.
After speaking with the finalists Linda said: "I've been blown away by the standard and depth of input. The work that has been submitted is way beyond what I expected."
"This has been a great project to have been part of and it has enabled interaction with groups of young disabled people with whom you wouldn't necessarily engage. The concept of 'adaptive clothing' is one that I didn't know much about before. It never occurred to me that it was possible to adapt clothing from able-bodied collections to accommodate disabled needs. I look forward to working with the university on further projects."
After a difficult judging process Amy Vanderwal was awarded first place and £5,000 for her 'The Urban Warrior' project. Xuan Che was awarded second place and £3,500 for her 'The Explorers – Spirit of Adventure' collection, whilst Leanne Westbury secured third place, winning £2,500 for her designs.
Xuan said: "This competition has been really meaningful and I have learnt how to see things from other people’s perspectives. I shall spend my prize money on my graduate work."
Amanda Briggs-Goode, head of department for Fashion, Textiles and Knitwear commented; "The project has given the students on BA (Hons) Fashion Design an opportunity to think outside of the conventional fashion consumer by responding to a new design challenge and thinking about inclusive design concepts."