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A few years ago I handled the PR for Colchcester Institute and the launch of University Centre Colchester (UCC). It gave me the opportunity to see the tremendous output of their departments. For me, the jewel in the crown of their degree courses was  the BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles and, as much as she’d hate this, I believe much of the students’ successes is due to the calibre and passion of the lecturers, especially course leader Val Jacobs. Through my relationship with this department I became a student muse and mentor as well as a model at the degree fashion show. Everyone who loves fashion loves UCC’s degree fashion show but there can be no show this year;  do you think that’s stopped the class of 2020 doing what they do best? Not a chance.

Life under lockdown has presented many challenges for all of us. The fact that we’re all in the same boat helps; we can’t moan too much about the inconvenience or unfairness of it all because we must pull together, we need to get on with it. And getting on with ‘it’ is just what the third year Fashion and Textile students at University Centre Colchester are doing right now. Like many other students, they’ve faced a difficult journey during their final weeks as undergraduates when teaching and learning switched online. Access to workshops and equipment suddenly stopped and fashion shows and end of year exhibitions were cancelled, which has hindered their ability to showcase their designs to potential employers. Final projects have had to be rethought and in some cases rewritten. But working in isolation during lockdown has also provided unique opportunities for students to become resourceful, resilient and to emerge as confident designers, ready to face the future.

For the class of 2020 much of this year’s work has focused on fashion with a point of view. Annie Barford’s kidswear seeks to educate a generation of children on the destruction of the coral reef through embellished screen prints and coral crochet. Chloe Jones’ statement coats made from upcycled sails collected from the east coast, highlight climate change and promote a circular fashion economy. Fashion interiors students have produced textile design work which can be applied to both fashion garments and wallpapers and interior fabrics. Cady Dolan-Roberts and Sophie Felgate have both produced hand-drawn digital wallpapers and printed fabrics with scenic fantasy landscapes to transport us all into a new and, sometimes, an old world.

Annie Barford, Paradise Lost

“I try to work as ethically and sustainably as possible and am dedicated to slow-fashion. I like to use natural materials wherever I can, so that my pieces are trans-seasonal and timeless, allowing my customers to treasure their garments for a very long time. With my Paradise Lost collection, I want to raise awareness of the destruction of the coral reef ecosystem and the warming of our oceans. This playful, colourful kidswear collection emphasises the natural underwater beauty in rapid decline.

“Thick imperial cotton contrasts with soft floaty silk, reflecting global fluctuations in temperature. The vibrant colour palette showcases traditional screen-printing techniques and references the thriving coral; the faded colour effects of the dress underneath, is achieved using natural dye techniques, imitating bleached coral.”

You can see all Annie’s designs on Instagram: @anniebarforddesign

Cady Dolan-Roberts, Grandeur

“Grandeur is a celebration of the rich, cultural and architectural heritage of our nation’s stately homes, juxtaposed with oriental references taken from the lavish interiors found in Brighton Pavilion. My hand-drawn scenic wallpaper murals, digitally developed in Photoshop from large scale ink drawings, are influenced by the beautiful walled gardens, landscaped grounds and interior decoration found in many of these homes. Combining elements from nature, British flowers and oriental features, my collection encompasses a varied range of prints across wallpapers, fabrics for interiors and loungewear.

“Specialising in hand-drawn illustrative textiles, with a rich tonal colour palette, my designs reflect elegance, opulence and natural beauty.”

You can see more of Cady’s designs on Instagram @cdolanrobertsdesigns or at www.cdolanrobertsdesigns.com

Chloe Jones, Fearful Ocean

“I work with upcycled materials and eco-friendly stretch fabric where possible. My passion for sustainability is not only shown through my work but has become a way of life. Through what I eat to where I buy clothes and how I live, I always try to be as environmentally conscious as possible.

“Fearful Ocean prioritises sustainability and highlights the change to our oceans and our impact on the planet. Weather worn sails are reworked into oversized protective coats and garments; the random placement of printed graphics and numbers make each piece in this collection unique. Layered undergarments carry digital prints referencing data and recoloured imagery from natural disasters around the globe.”

You can see all Chloe’s designs on Instagram: @chloejonesfashion

Sophie Felgate, Alpine

 “As a direct result of a mountainous adventure in Switzerland, my versatile print collection, Alpine, evokes memories of the extraordinary landscapes and natural elements of the region. Lakes, animals, birds and flowers co-exist with the manmade elements of architecture, transport and human activity. Using predominantly digital drawings and screen-printing techniques, I developed captivating, fantastical vistas that work in both fashion and interior design.

“An understanding of colour and scale, together with my illustration and Photoshop skills, were used in the creation of prints and influenced by the Japanese ‘Ukiyo-e’ style of painting. I only use natural fabrics where feasible as I have a responsibility to support sustainability within my work.”

You can see all Sophie’s designs on Instagram: @s.felgate_designs

Not everyone enjoys a challenge, but it’s been a personal privilege to see how four young students have risen to this quite unexpected one. You go girls!