Students to Design for Special Olympics Great Britain

Kingston College BTEC National Diploma students have been specially commissioned by Special Olympics Great Britain — the country’s largest provider of sports training and competition for the learning disabled – to design bespoke outfits for its Special Olympics Surrey group. The unique collaborative project, Beyond the Label will bring together the world of fashion and learning disability.

The student’s assignment is to create a collection of fashion forward garments, tailor made to fit the members of Special Olympics Surrey’s ten-pin bowling team, reflecting each athlete’s individual character and personality. In doing so, they will be giving real choice and, for the first time, an opportunity for the athletes to express themselves through fashion. Historically, people with a learning disability have found it difficult to find clothes that fit or that are age and shape appropriate often drawing unwelcome attention or magnifying their “difference.” This project will address those issues and highlight the need for a greater understanding within the fashion industry of the frustrations and barriers faced by those in this minority group.

The young designers at Kingston College have taken up the challenge to consult and support the athletes, and having taken into account their personal preferences, passions and choices, will integrate these into their designs to create garments to influence and inspire others that fashion is not just about look, but is a powerful tool of expression.

Celebrity Makeup artist, stylist and “Glamour Guru” Armand Beasley said: “As an Ambassador for Special Olympics Great Britain, I’ve met some of the athletes and I know how much of a struggle it has been for them to find fashionable clothes that suit, fit and are appropriate for their chosen sport! I’m really excited about this project and can’t wait to see what the students create for our team.”

Beyond the Label is a project that is designed to raise awareness, to break down barriers, to challenge our own perceptions and those of the community at large and to embrace and celebrate difference.

Caroline Alexander, Programme Leader on the BTEC ND Fashion and Clothing course, explains: “The collaborative project with Special Olympics GB to design bespoke outfits for their athletes is a wonderful opportunity for students and presents the challenge of not only designing and making garments for real people, but also of ensuring that fashion is more inclusive and accessible to all. Students will have to work to a tight schedule and ensure their work meets the needs of their clients, but will give them an invaluable insight into the problems that face professional fashion designers every day. The project will also provide an opportunity to make a difference by engaging with issues of inclusion and accessibility in the fashion industry.”

Sue Frett, County Secretary, Special Olympics Surrey adds: “When you look at an athlete all you see is the tracksuit and the sports kit that represents 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 clothes for evening wear or going to a friend’s party. Finding clothes to fit is a nightmare for some athletes. Many of these individuals despite their disability are unique and talented individuals who have a real desire to express themselves through contemporary fashion. “

In teams of 3 or 4, students will research and develop a collection of garments based on spring/summer 2010 trends and inject a touch of individualism into this by taking inspiration from an interest/object that is of sentimental/intellectual value to the client. The culmination of the project will see the unveiling of these outfits at the end of year fashion show, where the athletes themselves will model their specially made, one- off outfits.”

National Grid, SOGB’s Official Partner has come on board to support the project. Asif Aziz, a National Grid SOGB Volunteer Co-ordinator, heard about Beyond the Label and has committed to help raise ￡2,000 to fund the cost of materials to make the outfits with cake sales and raffles.

He said: “We will also ask our colleagues to freecycle their bling.”