Stornoway students take over shop window
Students at Lews Castle College UHI have been gifted the window at Lewis Revivals in the centre of Stornoway to showcase their end of year work, writes Fiona Scott.
In a celebration of fashion and collaboration, young designers and their lecturers have curated a window display to exhibit some of their expertly crafted work which is part of their HND.
Over the past three years the fashion department has developed to include the provision of NC and HNC/HND levels of study.
Netty Sopata, fashion course leader at LCC UHI, said: ‘This is a perfectly timed opportunity and a great location for our students to showcase a glimpse of their end-of-year collections.
‘Everyone has had a challenging year, but these guys have kept focused and worked exceptionally hard under challenging conditions to complete their studies to a high standard.
‘A huge thank you to Sarah at Lewis Revivals for giving the students this opportunity. If anyone is interested in studying fashion, please go and see the display. It will give you an insight into the different pathways students have taken to reach the standard of craftsmanship on display.’
Student Jackie Keddie has been sewing for many years and feels she has learned ‘so much more’ during her time at college.
‘I have gained more skills and confidence and have had the privilege to work with tutors who have a great knowledge of the fashion business and fashion illustration,’ she said. Student Breagha Halbert started the course fresh out of high school and has now almost completed her HND.
She said: ‘Learning to create my own designs and taking part in things that I am actually interested in has been amazing.
‘If this course continues to a degree level I will definitely be joining.’
Lewis Revival is an independent shop in Stornoway with a sustainable lifestyle focus that includes a collection of vintage and new items for the home as well as vintage Harris Tweed clothing.
The shop has a range of fairly traded and locally-made treasures and aims to promote ethical consumer choices through reuse, upcycling and supporting craftspeople and the Fair Trade movement.
The business also collaborates with adjoining shop Empty House Traders, which features Fair Trade clothing and gifts, vintage clothing, a collection of vintage vinyl records and books.