Beyond the Label - A huge Success

June 24, 2010

Kingston College BTEC National Diploma students were commissioned by Special Olympics GB to design bespoke outfits for the Special Olympics Surrey ten pin bowling team.  The students assignment was to create a collection of fashion forward garments, tailor made to fit the members of Special Olympics Surrey ten pin bowling team, reflecting each athletes individual character and personality.  In doing so, they were given real choice and, for the first time, an opportunity for the athletes to express themselves through fashion.  National Grid, SOGB's official Partners came on board very early in the project and raised £2,000 for the material and accessories that were used in the project.

 Sue Frett, County Secretary said historically, people with learning disabilities find it difficult to find clothes that fit and that are age and shape appropriate.  This sometimes draws unwelcome attention or magnifies their 'difference'.  This project addressed those issues and highlighted the need for a greater understanding within the fashion industry of the frustrations and barriers faced by those in this minority group.  When you look at an athlete all you see is the tracksuit and the sports kit that they represent in his or her chosen sport.  What you don't see is the person beneath this tracksuit and some of the trials and tribulations that they have to endure when choosing personal clothing.. Many of these individuals despite their disability are unique and talented individuals who have a real desire to express themselves through contemporary fashion. 

 In January 2010, 17 athletes and 47 designers first met when they were invited by the ten pin bowlers to join them at a training session at Tolworth Bowl.  After this meeting the designers interviewed each athlete and came up with the ideas for their outfits.  Many meetings took place between athletes and designers over the next 6 months.  During this period of time, Keesha Ackerman was bought on board to show to the athletes 'how to walk the catwalk'.  For some this was a very daunting experience and they were convinced they would never be able to do it.With lots of encouragement, slowly and surely the athletes started to enjoy the experience.  Girls were asked to walk in high heel shoes for the first time, which was quite an experience.  The boys were shown ways to walk and be relaxed.  They were first walking like soldiers and some even just chased up and down the catwalk just to get the training over..  The CornerHOUSE theatre played a great part in this training and the Trustees became our partners for this part of the project.

 Caroline Alexander, Programme Leader on the BTEC ND Fashion and Clothing course explained 'This collaborative project with SOGB and Special Olympics Surrey to design bespoke outfits for their athletes has been a wonderful opportunity for the students and presented them with a challenge of not only designing and making garments for real people, but also of ensuring that fashion is more inclusive and accessible to all.  The students had to work to a tight schedule and ensure their work met the needs of their clients, which gave them an insight into the problems that face professional fashion designers every day.  What we asked them to do was almost at university level.  It certainly has raised the awareness of the students to actually what they can do and achieve.

 The SOS athletes were in jubilant mood after they successfully modelled the garments at the Arthur Cotterill Theatre for the end of year Fashion Show of the College on the 16th June.  They had to show off the garments at 6.15 and 7.30p.m.  By the time the end of the show took place everyone was saying 'Bring on the November show at The Rose Theatre'.  At the Rose the designers and athletes will be showing off the garments to over 900 people.  They are part of an evening 'The Stars and Beyond' which is being produced by Sue Frett and sponsored by John  Lewis Kingston and RBK to show the diversity of what disabled people can do in the world of fashion, music, singing and dance.

 Sue Frett commented 'I really must thank all those volunteers that have helped me along the way with this project.  They have been magnificent'

 

Georgina HarrisKaren