We are proud to partner with Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF), based at London College of Fashion (LCF), University of the Arts London (UAL) on 'Reimagining Materials', a new student competition that reinforces our focus on circularity through design.
Inspired by our rich history of product craftsmanship, the partnership brought together talented fashion students with members of Burberry’s creative and commercial teams to explore the theme of circularity. The competition provided students from LCF with an opportunity to showcase their creativity through a series of review sessions, while learning from Burberry’s product experts.
Over a couple of months, 20 shortlisted students were challenged with a real industry brief to present new and exciting ways of reinventing surplus materials, including Burberry’s iconic trench gabardine, Burberry Check lining fabric, leather and a selection of trims, into original products.
Following a series of portfolio and prototype review sessions and an educational workshop on the brand’s heritage and house codes, the students’ designs were judged by a panel comprised of representatives from Burberry’s Product, Digital and Merchandising teams, and members of CSF’s Knowledge Exchange team.
The winning design belongs to Clara Gröning, BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development student at LCF. Clara’s original piece, alongside nine other selected finalists’ work, was showcased at the ‘Reimagining Materials’ exhibition held in the Wolfson Gallery at London College of Fashion’s new home at East Bank. The final designs were also displayed at Burberry’s London Regent Street store. As well as receiving a cash prize, Clara will join Burberry for an internship this autumn.
Supported by Burberry’s Early Careers team, the ‘Reimagining Materials’ programme builds on a range of initiatives that Burberry offers to help talented young people and recent graduates gain first-hand experience alongside industry professionals, including its recent collaboration with the National Saturday Club and partnership with The BRIT School.
Clara Gröning, BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development student at LCF and competition winner, commented, 'Burberry to me is very synonymous with heritage. I have always been fascinated by brands with strong visual brand language and company code, because it is an interesting challenge to adhere to this, whilst still reinventing yourself. I think that was my favourite part of this competition.'
‘We are delighted to be able to partner with Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF), London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL to bring this competition to life. With the support of our incredible judging panel, we were able to create a competition with CSF that really challenged the students to think outside of the box and build circularity into a practical design brief. We were so impressed by the calibre and creativity of all the designs, and by how dynamically each student applied their design skills throughout the competition.’
‘The Reimagining Materials Competition is a magnificent manifestation of how relationships can create knowledge, skills and capabilities that contribute to a prosperous world we can all enjoy. Relationships are formed through mutual curiosity, shared interests and an openness for co-learning; qualities we have seen throughout the phases of the competition, clearly embodied in the thoughtful circular designs of our finalists and winner.’
Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) is an award-winning University of the Arts London (UAL) research, education and knowledge exchange centre, based at London College of Fashion (LCF). CSF provokes, challenges, and questions the status quo in fashion to contribute to a system that recognises its ecological context and honours equity. The Centre’s work shapes and contributes to Fashion Design for Sustainability as a field of study, industry practices and educational models.
By exploring and cross-referencing fashion’s relational ecological, social, economic, and cultural agendas, CSF engages in transformational design practices. CSF takes a pluralistic, systemic approach, collaborating across its network of universities, businesses and other organisations from all around the world. All of CSF’s work is underpinned by its Declaration.
London College of Fashion, UAL, leads the world in fashion business, media and design education/ We've been nurturing creative talent for over a century, offering courses in all things fashion. With our philosophy of open and inclusive education, we encourage students to examine the past and question the present. To develop inventive, assertive ideas that challenge social and political agendas. And we give them the skills, opportunities - and above all, the freedom - to put those ideas into practice. From our new home at East Bank, the UK's newest cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, we're forging partnerships, opening up opportunities, and creating connections with east London's schools, community and industry. Our new home has brought all of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, from all of our three schools, under one roof for the very first time. In doing so, we'll continue to pioneer how we use fashion business, media and design to shape culture, economics, and society. And through fashion, shape lives.
Founded in 1856, Burberry is a global luxury brand with a rich British heritage. For over a century, Burberry has pioneered clothing that protects people from the elements. From outfitting polar explorers to inspiring people to explore the outdoors, Burberry creates outerwear that affords the wearer freedom, function and protection in style, whatever the weather.
Burberry is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BBRBY.L) and is constituent of the FTSE 250 index. BURBERRY, the Equestrian Knight Design and the Burberry Check are all trademarks belonging to Burberry. Discover more about Burberry at www.burberryplc.com
