CONGRATULATIONS to King’s Ely Sixth Form student, John-Oswald Crichton, who has been crowned a winner in The Stitch Festival Dressmaking Competition!
John-Oswald, who is in Year 13, was one of eight Fashion and Textile Design students at King’s to be shortlisted in the competition, which was held as part of the Stitch Festival at London’s Business Design Centre from March 3rd-6th.
John-Oswald was voted as the winner of the ‘eveningwear teenage’ category of the competition with his stunning garment, pictured. The judging panel was made up of four dressmaking and textile experts – Esme Young, Lisa Comfort, Nerrisa Pratt and Mark Francis. John-Oswald’s dress was modelled on the catwalk at the festival by Thea Allinson, who is also in Year 13 at King’s.
John-Oswald, who joined King’s Ely Junior in Year 6, is studying Textiles, Mathematics and Biology for his A Levels. He hopes to study Fashion Design at the University of Leeds.
Speaking about his win, John-Oswald said: “I am delighted to have won, especially in a category which had so many strong entries! It was such a fulfilling experience to see my garment on the catwalk. It was great to see it move on the human form, as well as seeing the reactions from the crowds. I don’t think I will ever forget the experience!”
John-Oswald was shortlisted in the competition alongside Kitty Carr-Lake, Maria Jago De La Cuerda, Emilia Decker, Disa Hellyer, Elanda Cundy, Chloe Skoulding, and Meghana Gurung. Each student had to write a paragraph of information about the garment they had produced, including the use of both creative and technical processes, and they provided photographs documenting their pieces.
All of the students’ shortlisted garments were on display at King’s Ely’s stand at the festival, alongside lots of other striking pieces made by our pupils.
Congratulations to our Fashion and Textile Design Department for a hugely successful weekend!