Design Trips

Our GCSE Design students have been inspired by meeting world-class designers at some of London’s landmark destinations.

GCSE Fashion & Textiles and Product Design students toured the WOW!House showcase at Chelsea Design Centre, which features 19 full-size rooms and outdoor spaces, each one uniquely designed by world-class interior designers, working in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and suppliers. Students heard from designers Will Fisher of Jamb Ltd, Anahita Rigby, and Marie-Severine de Caraman Chimay, Director of Watts 1874, who talked about the company’s collaboration with the revered Alidad for their 150th anniversary. After seeing the house, they visited three of the centre’s showrooms: lighting company Porto Romana; Watts 1874, to hear about their work for the television and film industry, including Barbie and Bridgerton; and interiors company Colefax & Fowler, where interiors stylist Olivia Haswell spoke about her career route into the industry. The day provided insight into how different design disciplines intersect and the students went away full of ideas – excellent timing as they begin their coursework projects.

Two weeks later, Fashion & Textiles students embarked on another exclusive visit with a behind the scenes tour of the Royal Opera House and its in-house workshops. Students visited hats and headpieces, men’s and women’s costume design, and the dye and print studios, speaking to many of the highly skilled craftspeople working in these departments. It was great to hear about and see how designers had to adapt their work to accommodate the requirements of performance. Students are already channelling the inspiration into their sketchbook work with reference to new print techniques and fabric manipulation processes.

A huge thank you to Mr Tim Green and Mrs Kirsten Westlake for organising these incredible experiences for our students.