Green Gown Awards 2021: Next Generation Learning and Skills - De Montfort University - Winner

Future-fit fashion and textiles: A whole school approach towards transforming the industry

What does a University Fashion School look like if it aims to respond comprehensively to the social and environmental challenges posed by clothing production and consumption? Over the last three years De Montfort University’s School of Fashion and Textiles has been developing an answer to this question, through an integrated approach comprising curricular change, co-curricular opportunities, innovative research into new materials and community engagement to address the challenges of the textile industry, locally in Leicester, nationally and internationally.

With over 1200 students, the School offers a rich experience with a broad spectrum of sustainability initiatives for design practice and fashion business. Through external engagement with industry, the School ensures the next generation of designers, communicators, buyers, and managers have the knowledge and skills to be relevant and responsible and can make a positive impact as they move to the next stage of their career or education.

Top 3 learnings:

1. Think large scale but also remember the small details can have a huge impact.
2. Future scan, think ahead to when you will have had chance to make an impact.
3. Provide the opportunity for creativity to flourish.