Showcasing my sustainable fashion designs in Barcelona

Out of 100 applicants, 30 designers from the UK, Netherlands, and Spain were selected to participate in this transformative creation marathon. Over four intense days, we explored sustainability, decolonial practices, and anti-racist perspectives in fashion. Guided by incredible curators like Roberte Piqueras and Lucia Piedra, and supported by mentors such as Sofia Archer Graell, Roshni Kavate RN, CHPN and Karim Adduchi, we collaborated to design pieces that challenge traditional and extractive approaches to fashion.

For the challenge, our team created a piece that was both a design and a statement. The centrepiece was a deconstructed black knitted top with a shredded skirt, paired with a flowing denim braid. This braid symbolized connection, heritage, and resilience, emphasizing the profound cultural significance of hair in Black identity. The model, wearing a balaclava, embodied strength, individuality, and the beauty of reclaiming identity within a decolonial context.

Denim played a central role, not just as a sustainable material but as a metaphor for shared strength and collective storytelling. We took this concept further by inviting the audience at the fashion show to braid strips of denim live, turning the runway into an act of collaboration and inclusion. This participatory moment reflected the idea that communities uplift and empower when we come together, each contributing to a greater whole.

The challenge culminated in a public fashion show at the iconic Disseny Hub Barcelona, where our creations were showcased live. It was both humbling and inspiring to see how collective effort and diverse perspectives can create impactful, meaningful designs.

This journey has been about more than fashion, it's been a chance to explore how we, as designers, can confront extractive, privileged practices and instead create work that uplifts, connects, and tells authentic stories.

I’m beyond grateful to MODA-FAD, Design Manchester, the Netherlands Embassy, and all the organisers for making this event a reality. This experience has left me with fresh insights, renewed inspiration for my research, and a deeper commitment to sustainability and inclusivity in my work. Here's to more projects that challenge norms, celebrate identity, and inspire change!