Fairtrade Cotton Project: Northumbria University

At the beginning of 2010 we were contacted by the Design School at Northumbria University. Their Fashion Textile students were embarking on a design project and keen to use our organic Fairtrade certified cotton cloth and integrate the ethos of Fair Trade into the design work.

Last month I caught up with Rosey, one of the students on the course, and tutor, Doug Miller, at a conference in Liverpool. They gave a presentation about the project and explained how much the students had enjoyed the work.

Here is the brief and some photos of the finished garments. We are really impressed by the standard of the work and very pleased to have supplied the cloth for these fantastic pieces.

Using your research as inspiration, design and make a one-off piece using Fairtrade cotton. Focus on one Fairtrade producing region and use your design to communicate the cultural heritage of where the cotton was produced. This piece should show that Fairtrade cotton can be used in cutting-edge fashion."