Tents are the new trend, our talented student makes beautiful garments out of camping gear

Published: 08/06/2022

Final year Fashion Design student, Grace Reeves, was motivated to create a sustainable fashion collection when she witnessed a number of tents being left behind after a festival. The clothing has detachable elements, so that it could be transformed from a high-end fashion clothing to a normal jacket.

One of Grace’s goals is to make sustainable clothing more affordable, and her plans include setting up her own upcycling business after her studies, with a focus on green design and minimal usage of materials.

With an intent to promote inclusiveness in fashion, Grace has tried to create clothing to fit every size, calling it size U or Universal. She has also designed her branding in braille. Grace said: ”During my internship, it was sad to hear women complain that many clothes wouldn’t fit them due to their body size.”

“It’s a shame that people don’t learn textile crafts in school and that’s the reason they throw away clothes because they don’t know how to fix them.”

Her work featured in Nottingham Trent University’s Art & Design Student Showcase which involved graduating artists and designers displaying their work as part of a public exhibition.

Emma Prince, Fashion Design course leader at Nottingham Trent University, said: “The design community is increasingly keen on making designs kinder to the planet. It is great how Grace includes a personal touch in her upcycling and highlights the importance of inclusivity within her practice.”