Last month, LCF in collaboration with Create London, delivered an ‘Introduction to the Waistcoat’ workshop to students at Barking and Dagenham College, as part of a series of bespoke tailoring workshops.
Students from Barking and Dagenham college taking part in the tailoring workshop
The workshops were delivered by BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring tutor Winston Rose, and supported by Outreach ambassadors Eva Samuel and Paige Rene, BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring students at LCF. Winston, Eva and Paige worked with the students to produce waistcoats, teaching them specialist tailoring and handcraft skills.
Tailoring workshop at Barking and Dagenham College
Create London is a social enterprise that seeks to explore the ways artists can contribute to the lives of people in cities and they are currently working on an extensive project celebrating the life and work of Hardy Amies. The project aims to highlight and celebrate The White House’s history and its connection to the iconic British tailor, who lived there as a child during the 1920s and 1930s. Whilst Hardy Amies is probably best known for being a personal designer to the Queen he has also worked in film, costume design and interiors.
Winston Rose teaching the college students tailoring skills
It has opened my mind to the possibilities of other fashion courses and pathways – Stephanie, Barking and Dagenham College student.
Thoughts from students
I would definitely do this course again, I loved it” – Eleanor, student
It was very challenging as I have never done tailoring before, but I really enjoyed it” Kayleigh, student
I really enjoyed learning new stitching techniques and skills” Ellie, student
I loved seeing my waistcoat come together” Paige, student
Thoughts from Winston
‘This was an ambitious project, creating the waistcoats required the use of advanced tailoring skills for these students, who were just completing their first year of a 2 year BTEC Diploma in Fashion and Garment Construction. The students were determined, and working together with the LCF Peer Mentors and myself were able to rise to the challenge of completing their waistcoats over the two-day workshop. It is a wonderful experience working with the College. It gave me the opportunity to reflect upon my teaching practice, and to work with younger students; I felt uplifted and inspired working with these creative young minds. I enjoy giving young people an opportunity to experience what it is like to study at LCF, and I hope it encourages them to consider studying fashion in Higher Education.’
It made me realise I really did want to work in the fashion industry” Benie, student
I am now thinking of doing tailoring at university” Samira, student
I am interested in the ethical side of the fashion industry and would like to learn more about that” Eleanor, student