Barking Abbey was founded in 1922 as the first co-educational grammar school in England. It is a mixed school of approximately 1800 pupils. It is traditionally heavily oversubscribed and each year takes 270 new pupils.

Barking Abbey understands the importance of art and design for pupils, ‘to work visually allows pupils to express themselves in a very personal manner, responding to their imagination and feelings in a way that other forms of communication often do not facilitate. To allow pupils to develop this aspect of their personalities is an essential part of learning about themselves and the world in which they live and expands their ability to communicate in the widest sense.'

Jenny Holloway began the seminar with an overview of the fashion industry. Many pupils are unaware of the vast variety of roles available in the world of fashion. There are many different skills and interests catered for and this gives pupils an opportunity to realise their potential in the industry.

Fashion illustrator and designer Ismail Erbil then spoke about how the designing process commences, beginning with the realisation of an idea and then how to develop it.

There were also talks from Hayleigh Amos, Boutique Manager, on retail selling and what makes a garment sell, an overview of industry portal http://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/ and fashion event Profile.

The pupils came away from the seminar extremely inspired and with new found interest in the world of fashion. Here are some comments:

Asiah Ali

‘I really like fashion and I liked all the different garments. It was very interesting.'

Georgia O'Brian-Perry

‘It really inspired me to definitely take a role in fashion. I really can't wait to make my own unique collection in the future.'

Anisa Begum

‘It really inspired me. It'll probably give me a boost in my creativity. Thank you for coming. I loved it!'

Ferda Karapinar

‘Very good, I am interested! I will be coming to the shop. I loved some of the dresses and the designs.'

Nina Mahmood Patricio

‘I am totally inspired and I have gained so much interest within an hour, it was great.'

Many thanks to John Middleton and London Thames Gateway Corporation for allowing this seminar to take place and of course Derek Levy from Barking and Dagenham Regeneration.

Share this Article: