Kenyan Orchids to Victoria Sponges: Cheltenham Students Debut Stunning African-British Fusion Fashion on the Runway

Young creative talent took centre stage as students from across Cheltenham debuted a stunning collection of wearable art at the Young Designers Showcase.

Held on Wednesday, 3rd June, at the historic Francis Close Hall Campus Chapel (University of Gloucestershire), the live runway show celebrated the students’ beautiful creations as part of the 'Potpourri of our Society' collection.

The event was the culmination of an intensive eight-month creative project delivered by Lives of Colour, in a flagship collaboration with the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP).

The partnership between Lives of Colour and the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP) places Cheltenham at the forefront of Gloucestershire’s Racial Equity Framework, setting a new standard for embedding inclusivity and representation into education

Since October, students have dedicated an incredible amount of hard work, energy, and passion into their designs. Challenged to create pieces that illustrate the diversity of modern society and the intersectionality of identity, the young designers used national African flowers and seamlessly combined them with elements that are quintessentially British.

The runway featured an array of breathtaking, imaginative concepts from local schools, including:

• Pittville School: A striking design fusing the Kenyan Orchid with a classic British Victoria Sponge Cake.

• Cheltenham College: An elegant piece blending the Congolese Waterlily with the iconic architecture of Big Ben.

• The High School Leckhampton: A creative fusion of the Ethiopian Calla Lily combined with the grace of a British swan.

• Cheltenham Ladies' College: A powerful historical crossover featuring the Nigerian Yellow Trumpet Flower paired with Anne Boleyn’s iconic Tudor headpiece.

And more…

(See our social post which showcases these pieces here: Instagram)

Seeing the outfits shining on the runway highlighted the impressive technical and creative skills the students developed throughout the course. The evening was a resounding success, with the audience witnessing the immense confidence and pride the students felt while debuting their finished pieces.

Florence Nyasamo-Thomas, Founder and CEO of Lives of Colour, said:

"Seeing the students stand so confident and proud in their work on the runway was incredibly special. They have poured so much energy into exploring identity and heritage through fashion. We are immensely grateful to the individuals and brands who supported this vision and helped give these young designers a platform to let their voices and creativity shine."

Special Thanks

Lives of Colour and the CEP would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and support to make this project possible, including Tribe Vintage, Superdry, the University of Gloucestershire, the Cheltenham Education Partnership, and the Mayor of Cheltenham.

For more information about Lives of Colour contact: info@livesofcolour.co.uk 07803 307124.

For more information about Cheltenham Education Partnership and its initiatives, please visit the website https://cepartnership.org.uk/ or contact: manager@cepartnership.org.uk.

About CEP

The Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP) brings together schools from both the state and independent sectors, alongside local organisations and charities, to create a unique and collaborative educational community in Cheltenham. Founded to expand horizons and enrich opportunities for young people, CEP works to ensure that students can realise their full potential, regardless of background.