Burberry x LCF Reimagining Materials Student Competition - applications now open
- Written byLondon College of Fashion
- Published date 16 January 2026
The Reimagining Materials Competition, created in partnership between Burberry and London College of Fashion (LCF), offers students the opportunity to repurpose Burberry’s production offcuts.
Now in its second edition, and as Burberry celebrates its 170th year, the competition places a renewed focus on trench upcycling. Titled “Trench Reimagined”, this year’s brief challenges students to rework a Burberry trench coat using surplus materials and production offcuts, transforming material excess into new and original designs.
Students will respond to a live industry brief and benefit from the guidance of Burberry professionals throughout the process. The winning student will receive a cash prize and a three-month design internship at Burberry.
The brief
The brief centres on upcycling as a circular design practice, challenging students to repurpose an existing garment. Using Burberry’s surplus materials, participants must upcycle a trench coat, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that retains recognisable elements of the original coat.
Your challenge is to apply your design skills, craftsmanship, and creativity to transform a trench coat into a commercially viable outerwear design. The final piece should be suitable for use in the outdoors, offering protection from the elements while showcasing innovative reuse of materials. Surplus materials will include outer trench fabric, check lining fabric, and a selection of trims.
Your concept must:
- Demonstrate an innovative approach to upcycling, showing how surplus materials can be thoughtfully repurposed into a one-of-a-kind, reimagined trench coat.
- Celebrate Burberry's iconic trench coat reflecting the brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and enduring connection to the outdoors through thoughtful design decisions.
- Be feasible to prototype as a single, commercially viable outerwear piece, with design and construction decisions that could realistically inform future practice or production.
- Support shared learning, offering insights into how the next generation of designers approach craftsmanship, circularity, and the future of outerwear.
Eligible applicants
We are seeking applications from any current BA, MA or Graduate Diploma student at London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL. Please ensure you have access to a sewing machine, either at LCF or at home before applying.
Judging Criteria
Burberry and LCF will review all applications against the following judging criteria and narrow down the applications to a shortlist of 20 students.
Originality: The ability to conceive and develop an original upcycling concept that reimagines a trench coat in a distinctive and meaningful way, while retaining recognisable elements of the original garment.
Creativity and craft: Clear evidence of creativity and craftmanship in design, construction, and material manipulation, demonstrating thoughtful use of surplus fabrics and components to create a one-of-a-kind trench or outerwear piece.
Feasibility and commercial viability: Demonstration that the concept can be realistically prototyped within the competition timeframe, and that the final design functions as a commercially viable outerwear piece suitable for use in the outdoors.
Upcycle-led sustainability thinking: Clear articulation of how the design approach extends the value of existing materials through upcycling, reducing waste while keeping materials in use at their highest value.
Relevance to Burberry, the trench and the 170 year celebration: A strong understanding of Burberry’s heritage, house codes, and the functional origins of the trench coat, demonstrated through a design that notably nods to the 170-year celebration and makes thoughtful, authentic use of Burberry’s material surplus.
Timeline
- January 2026 - Sketch and manifesto development
- January 29 2026 - Submission deadline
- February 5 2026 - Shortlist announcement
- February 2026 - 3D prototype development
- March 2026 - 3D prototype review session
- 18 March 2026 - Final submission
- TBC - Winner announced and exhibition
Student Benefits
Upon final submission, Burberry and LCF will select nine finalists and one winner.
- The winning student will receive a £1,000 cash prize in recognition of their exemplary concept.
- Burberry will also offer a three-month design internship to the winner.
- LCF and Burberry will support concept development through portfolio and prototype review sessions, offering sustainability and circular design know-how, as well as design and creative guidance.
- The shortlisted students will receive feedback on your designs and overall submissions.
- The finalists and winner will have their work featured in an exhibition in 2026.
To note: Please only apply if you are committed to meeting the requirements outlined in the timeline. The terms and conditions of the internship will be agreed between Burberry and the selected student.