As part of an initiative to showcase the importance of sustainability in fashion, Southwark College hosted a week-long fashion recycling workshop for students from Italy, Portugal and Turkey, as part of the Erasmus+ programme. The ‘Creative Fashion Recycling Workshop’ focused on upcycling and recycling, showing students how they can transform their old clothing, reduce waste and limit the environmental impact of their fashion purchases.
The Erasmus students received a warm welcome from Scott Peasey, Vice Principal of Southwark College, before participating in a range of exciting activities such as a badge making workshops and clothes swap party. During the party, students were given vouchers to exchange clothing and understand the importance of re-purposing used items.
On days two and three, students learnt how to make necklaces from plastic bottles and attended a talk on circular fashion at the University of Westminster. After the lecture, they visited the Westminster Menswear Archive to see the collection of garments and gain inspiration. They also had the opportunity to visit some of London’s most famous tourist attractions such as the V&A museum, Sky Garden and Brick Lane Market.
On the final day, the students upcycled old t-shirts into beautifully crafted necklaces made by hand. At the closing ceremony, the students and their teachers were presented with certificates, celebrating their achievements and completion of the Creative Fashion Recycling Workshop.
Daniele Cresti, Erasmus student from Italy, said: “I’ve enjoyed taking part in this workshop and learning about sustainability in fashion at Southwark College. I can’t wait to apply the techniques and knowledge I’ve learnt this week to future projects. I also loved visiting the different London attractions, especially Brick Lane Market and areas nearby like Shoreditch”.
Fernanda Morecia, Erasmus Teacher from Portugal, said: “Both Sara and Ruby put on a brilliant and well-organised workshop on fashion sustainability for the students. It was good to see them getting on and working well together. I personally enjoyed visiting interesting sites across London and gaining valuable, new knowledge on sustainability in fashion”.
Erasmus+ is an initiative that enables students to explore different cultures while gaining invaluable skills and experience. It supports education, training, youth, and sports opportunities for students based in Europe.
Southwark College offers a range of courses for 16-18s and adults. To find out more, visit southwark.ac.uk/courses.
