York Rotary Fashion awards update

It was time to set the competition for the 1st York Rotary Fashion Award. Jane had been aware of the growing K-POP music and fashion trends over the last 4 years and knew if she had still been working in fashion, the demand in the teenage market for these clothes and accessories would be huge. Aimed at 8 to 18 year old girls the Boy Band BTS lead the global Market. The release in 2025 of the animated Film, K-POP Demon Hunters, became No1 in 42 countries and top 10 in 93 countries. It truly was a Global craze. Shown here the original girl band, who did the sound track, and an image from the film.

Jane set the design project using 2 examples of girl groups. The trend spans from very grungy denim to sparkly top end Vogue. The groups all dress in a very similar way, but changed enough to give each model a unique look. For the competition the students have to illustrate a group of 4 designs and then pick 1 to cut patterns and make a sample. Each garment to retail at no more than £30. They were given 2 examples of girl bands as shown below.

On March 9th Jane Albon and Mary Lumley, visited the fashion Department at York School of Art to view the students toiles. Using cheap calico fabric, the students make a mock-up of their chosen design. This gives them the opportunity to make any final changes to the pattern before they cut out the design using the expensive fabrics they have chosen. Jane and Mary were shown all the fabrics the students have bought, in preparation for the final piece. Shown are some of the toiles.

Jane will visit the students again in 4 weeks to look at their research. The students research showed how K-POP culture had influenced all areas of fashion, even M&S had women’s ranges in store with cargo pants and excessive use of lace and frills on shirts. Research showed use of PVC, LACE and TIES and add on accessories of chains, fringing, diamanté. The basic under  garments were cropped tops, shorts, skirts and trousers. Every brand of clothing had matching torches and microphones to complete to look. Images show the trends that will influence the final design.

A Photo shoot for the final garments is booked for April 24th in the Photography department and final judging will be on line ONLY on 28th April. Jane and Mary will be joined by two local fashion designers to make up the final judging panel.  

Jane Albon