Get ready Bath, childrens' fashion designs are coming to life.

Despite the challenges of lockdown and thanks to the generosity of some wonderful pattern cutters and seamstresses from across B&NES, the winning designs from the Fashion & Fairytale Competition are turning from a paper dream to a fabric reality.

When lockdown began, we were anxious for the future of the Fashion & Fairytale exhibition, but we are delighted to be able to announce that the team at the Assembly Rooms, Bath are supporting us to ensure that all the 300 children who entered the competition, will still be able to safely see their designs exhibited in the larger Tearoom from the 3rd - 5th August, 2020.

We believe the exhibition may be the only free, family friendly and socially distanced event in Bath this summer, so are working really hard to make it the best it can be. We have been blown away by the kindness of our makers, who have in turn found a creative focus during lockdown. Check out their progress so far:

Rachel P Blake - ex fashion designer, stylist and our Fashion & Fairytale consultant - bravely took on the challenge of creating Mayu Ishimoto's KS4, Japanese Moon Flower design. Mayu's incredible creativity inspired the judges due its innovative use of fabric to give movement and texture to the delicate design. Rachel has certainly been put through her paces; stitching silk into tendrils, creating dyes to match Mayu's imagination and hand dyeing cotton and silk, but we think you'll agree it is looking spectacular already.

Catherine Miller, silk and lace specialist dress designer, stepped up to reimagine Catherine Cook's KS3 winning design. The St Gregory's student had cleverly designed a cape to sustainably transform into a skirt, but the design required a great deal of lace embroidery. Catherine has been creating dream wedding and evening dresses in Bath since the 1980s, and has developed a reputation for exquisitely tailored and individual outfits that reflect the personality of the wearer. We are delighted that both Catherines are working together to bring this innovative design to life.

Seamstress friends Jane Newland & Mary Warren - an avid knitter and quilter - got in touch to realise Edith Holladay's recycled seasons dress. Again a huge challenge, Mary has had to hand cut hundreds of felt leaves (which Jane will embellish), knit streams of recycled plastic bags together to make the bodice and will shortly begin the intrepid task of attaching recycled lids to the skirt to showcase the beautiful Autumnal colours that Edith imaginatively weaved throughout her design. It is a work of art and testament to the boundless generosity of strangers who rise to the aid of others in uncertain times.

Jane has also offered to manufacture Bethany's KS1 Butterfly dress and we will keep you updated with its progress.

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All in all, I think you will agree that the mission of Fashion & Fairytale to inspire sustainable fashion design is still causing hope-filled ripples in our community and we are delighted that it has provided a little glimmer of light in lockdown.

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Want to get involved? We are always keen to collaborate and showcase the talents of individuals across B&NES. If you have experience of floristry, events, lighting and sound, get in touch.