Story

Flo Pawley: Championing playful creativity

Two performers dance in red costumes on a stage

Written byEllen Partridge
Published date 21 February 2024

Since a childhood trip to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Leeds Playhouse theatre, Flo Pawley has been fascinated by costume and performance.

After moving from Leeds to London to complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at UAL, she discovered her perfect undergraduate course at Central Saint Martins, the BA Performance: Design and Practice (PDP).

Through this course, Flo could integrate her interests in fashion, costume, film and performance.

Exploring childhood curiosity

When Flo began experimenting with lengths of second-hand red fabric she found online, she didnt anticipate the outcome would be ‘Moving Rouge’, the striking costume piece and abstract live performance that features on the latest prospectus cover.

The concept of creating a costume-led piece emerged after Flo was inspired by her PDP Course Leader, Kate Lane and Costume Technicians Verity Cleary and Florence Meredith. They encouraged a ‘playful approach’ to research and experimentation, something which Flo adopted during ‘Moving Rouge’.

“I developed the project through experimentation with red fabrics, emphasising exploration reminiscent of our childhood curiosity and diverse ways of investigating the world. The project revolved around expressing your inner child and rediscovering the world through play and touch. My intention was to evoke a sense of constant curiosity and play for both performers and my audience.”

Student Flo Pawley constructs her red costume in the studio — **Photograph by Alys Tomlinson**

‘Moving Rouge‘ marked Flo’s final live performance at UAL and holds great significance for her. She combined her skills in costume design, creative direction, and performance, working with a group of performers to develop ideas and the plot.

“The final show, like the entire process, was a result of continuous experimentation and play, and it was also just fun to do! My teachers have completely changed how I now work. I think it’s so important now more than ever to bring joy into our work as creatives, for both those who make it and those who experience it too.”

Performers peek out from underneath red costumes — **Photograph by Sara Semino Aceto**

Pushing boundaries through collaboration

Collaboration is central to Flo’s practice. She found the costume studio at Central Saint Martins to be a great place for learning and expanding ideas.

The costume studio became my second home - a space of both fun and creativity. I experimented with fabrics, developed ideas, and never failed to have a conversation that would make me laugh or question something. Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing unfamiliar approaches can make raw and unique outcomes.

— Flo Pawley, BA Performance: Design and Practice, Central Saint Martins, UAL

Student Flo Pawley places her costume above her head in the studio — **Photograph by Alys Tomlinson**

Life at UAL and beyond

Flo loved the blend of technical learning, creative freedom and engaging workshops she experienced at UAL and no 2 days were the same.

“There were times where we never sat down at all, times where we quite literally created a ‘human laughing machine’ or times where we acted out fantastical story sketches. Of course, we also had technical classes and were taught how to use equipment, cameras and operate the theatre. The beauty of PDP lies in its unpredictability—there was never a truly typical day.”

Learning the technical aspects of costume, film, and performance at UAL have helped Flo secure work since graduating. She was already prepared for the type of fast-paced working environment that she now enjoys, freelancing in costume departments for film and television.

Flo is now using her technical skills in making, sewing and pattern construction every day and made the most of her UAL network.

“My first ever job came from someone in the year above me at Central Saint Martins and I always thank her for everything now - all my other jobs have come from that first job.”

three performers dance on stage with red costumes on — **Photograph by Ana Blumenkron**

Advice for new students

To Flo, UAL truly embodies individual expression. She gives some great advice to the next generation of students.

“Go to campus whenever you can, and make the most of being in a creative environment, surrounded by other creatives. Speak to your course technicians - they have so much experience and are wiser and kinder than you can imagine.”

“The way students confidently embrace their identity, stand for their beliefs, and fearlessly express themselves creates a welcoming and inspiring environment for studying. Don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion and do what you want even if it doesn’t seem ‘normal’.”

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You can watch the full performance of ‘Moving Rouge’ on UAL showcase.

Flo features on the front cover of the latest UAL Undergraduate Prospectus. If you’re in the UK, order your copy to read more student stories and explore UAL Undergraduate and Pre-degree taught courses by subject area.

Discover more about undergraduate study at UAL, including how to apply, funding and the student experience.