Have you ever imagined designing your own clothes? Students at Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk, Ireland, did just that! In the Fashion Forward CCC Learning Lab by Creative Spark, 15- and 16-year-olds transformed second-hand clothing into a professional collection, focusing on sustainability.
By Goethe-Institut Brussels
The Fashion Forward CCC (Coláiste Chú Chulainn), implemented by Creative Spark, immersed Transition Year students in the world of sustainable fashion by providing them with hands-on experience in transforming second-hand clothing into a cohesive, professionally designed collection. Students had the chance to explore the environmental impact of the fashion industry, develop practical skills in upcycling, design, and digital fabrication, and collaborate to create a unique collection that reflects their creativity and commitment to sustainability.
At the beginning of their learning experience, the participating students visited a local charity shop, where, under the guidance of independent designer Megan McGuigan of the fashion brand Seeking Judy, they obtained second-hand clothing suitable for upcycling that would form the basis of their collection. The students also became familiar with processes such as screen printing and laser cutting, learning how to create unique visuals and designs on their garments and elevating them. Furthermore, the Learning Lab introduced the students to natural dyeing, custom embroidery using digital machines, and basic sewing and tailoring skills, which would enable them to alter and reshape garments.
The students also dived into branding and marketing. Through the workshops they developed distinct brand identities, including logos and labels for their creations. They also took part in a professional photography workshop, where they learnt how to create a successful lookbook. It goes without saying that such practical skills are useful to everyone, regardless of a professional career in the field.
Led by Gráinne Murphy, Creative Spark Print Studio Coordinator, and Oscar Díaz, Education and Operations Manager at Creative Spark, Enterprise FabLab. The Creative Spark team was able to implement the Learning Lab without facing any big issues, thanks to a well-structured agenda and the teachers’ support of Kathleen Boyle and Fiona Thornton, both teachers of art, craft, and design at CCC. In fact, the teachers were actively involved in the workshops, as they found them engaging and inspiring, and they were happy to support the students through the entire creative process in parallel to the Learning Lab workshops. The school appreciated the positive results of bringing together art, education, and sustainability, as well as the chance the students had to get in touch with professionals who could allow them to explore creative careers.
This shows collaboration between educational institutions and creative hubs proved to be highly effective. Students were able to get in direct contact with fashion and creative professionals while being supported by their teachers. This unique combination created a fruitful learning environment, where school learning and real-world creative practice came together. As one of the teachers said, "Fast fashion's overproduction and disregard for environmental and labour standards continue to pose serious challenges. Learning Labs like this one seek to address these issues by raising awareness and encouraging circular fashion practices among the next generation."
The project empowered the students to rethink fashion from an environmentally conscious perspective, focusing on innovative practices. They also gained hands-on experience and became immersed in the process, reinforcing the notion that a practical approach is more effective than a theoretical one. The workshops’ structure, with each session building upon previous learning, allowed the students to make considerable progress. Another key aspect was the industry connection and mentorship. Meagan McGuigan of Seeking Judy shared insights into her experience in the fashion industry, while Blathnaid McClean of BEEZTI delivered the second workshop in tailoring, which proved to be extremely helpful. Following the session, the students applied the skills they had learnt to create finished pieces, benefiting greatly from the experience. Julie Corcoran, who photographed the collection, helped students achieve a well put-together final presentation, emphasising the importance of a collective support system in the creative fields.
Moreover, throughout the process the students engaged in meaningful discussions on sustainability and developed both creative and cross-disciplinary skills, while also gaining valuable insights into the importance of intellectual property rights. The Fashion Forward CCC project demonstrated that initiatives such as the Learning Labs can successfully raise awareness about sustainability and contribute to long-term change in fashion consumption patterns. The local community also became involved. The pop-up exhibition attracted many visitors who felt “inspired by what's possible when education, fashion, and sustainability come together”. The project was covered by local media, which helped amplify the project's message about sustainability and innovation.
The Fashion Forward CCC project demonstrated Creative Spark's commitment to supporting local businesses, new and old, within the creative industries and promoting grassroots innovation.
Image: Julie Corcoran
Key Takeaways
Creative Spark in Dundalk is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting SMEs, entrepreneurs, artists, and the wider community in the creative and cultural sectors through shared space, access to technology, expert support, and diverse programs. Their mission is to foster collaboration, accessibility, and innovation by providing a dynamic environment that activates creative and entrepreneurial talent in Dundalk.
Coláiste Chú Chulainn is a secondary school in Dundalk, were we engaged Transition Year Art students in the Fashion Forward CCC learning lab. Transition Year is a unique Irish programme that provides students with hands-on experiences beyond traditional academics, fostering creativity and STEAM skills through projects like sustainable fashion.
