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Inspired by Industry: Community Clothing
This context has been developed to give students the opportunity to explore sustainability, materials and manufacturing within the fashion and textiles industry, using Community Clothing as the industry partner. The focus is on the challenge of designing plastic-free trainers, but the context is intentionally open so schools can adapt or extend it to suit their curriculum priorities.
While the brief centres on footwear, students may choose to focus on a specific element of a trainer, such as the sole, upper or fastening system, or broaden the challenge to consider alternative garments or products where plastic reduction is a key concern. The Community Clothing model, which prioritises UK manufacturing, local labour and ethical production, also provides a strong real-world context for exploring cost, business decisions, production methods and sustainability.
Students are encouraged to investigate and test a wide range of materials, comparing performance, durability and environmental impact. Rather than producing a finished, wearable product, outcomes are likely to focus on research, experimentation and concept development, with students presenting their thinking through models, samples, digital work or presentations. This approach supports deeper understanding of materials and design decision-making, rather than a single final outcome.
There are clear opportunities to explore wider themes including fast fashion, supply chains, ethical production, material innovation and end-of-life considerations. By working within the context of an existing clothing brand, students are challenged to think carefully about purpose, user needs, constraints and feasibility, reflecting current industry practice.
This classroom resource is free, so no payment is required. You can also explore the additional member-only Focused Tasks (FTs), Investigative and Evaluative Activities (IEAs) and curriculum units that support delivery of this context, developed in partnership with Community Clothing. Log in or join the Association and add this resource to your basket.
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