Supporting the next generation

London College of Fashion - Fashion Contour Students live project with Fleur of England

Investing in the Future of Luxury Lingerie Design

Returning to London College of Fashion this month has been one of the most meaningful moments of our 25th anniversary year at Fleur of England.

Earlier in February, I was sent a link to review the BA (Hons) Fashion Contour students’ work digitally. Through Padlet, I explored each concept, mood board and final outcome in depth. Even from a screen, the level of thinking was exceptional. From this initial review, I selected ten Fashion Contour students to present to me in person.

But nothing prepared me for the standard I witnessed when I returned to the studios.

A Live Industry Project with Real World Relevance

This was designed as a live industry project. An opportunity for students to engage with a heritage luxury brand in real time, responding to a forward-thinking creative challenge rather than analysing the past.

The intention was clear.

Students were asked to explore the future of luxury lingerie through the lens of heritage. Not to repeat Fleur of England’s existing handwriting, but to open new categories and possibilities. To think expansively.

The brief centred on:

• Heritage as inspiration rather than constraint
• Feminine confidence and emotional storytelling
• Sustainability and responsible material thinking
• Timeless design over seasonal trend
• Luxury that feels intimate, intelligent and soulful

Each student developed a range for Autumn Winter 2026 and Spring Summer 27, spanning lingerie, nightwear and either loungewear or adjacent intimate categories. The emphasis was on concept strength, silhouette innovation, fabric intelligence and narrative cohesion rather than commercial replication.

It aligned deeply with our 25 year philosophy of opposing mass production and preserving skill. Luxury must remain slow, considered and deeply human.

Meeting the Designers in Person

Sitting in front of the ten shortlisted students as they presented their final pieces was incredibly powerful.

I was blown away not only by the beauty of the garments, but by how eloquent, professional and articulate each student was. They spoke with clarity about emotional narrative, technical decisions, material sourcing and long term product thinking.

They had not simply designed garments. They had designed worlds for the imagination. Ideas. Futures.

As someone who has spent over twenty five years building a heritage British lingerie house rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling, it was energising to witness such depth and individuality. It reminded me why craft matters. Why emotion in clothing matters. Why intention will always be relevant, no matter how fast the world moves.

It has been a genuine joy to work with the students and the teaching team, particularly in a year where Fleur of England celebrates its 25th anniversary. Supporting emerging talent feels like a natural extension of our commitment to longevity and legacy.

The joy of the live project

My role in this project was hands on. I set the original creative challenge, immersed the students in the brand DNA, provided critique throughout, and shared insight into real world luxury production and longevity.

I am incredibly proud to be actively investing in future talent within an industry I feel so privileged to have been part of for over twenty five years. It is a real honour to support the students on this course, to offer guidance and encouragement, and to be genuinely involved rather than simply observing from the sidelines.

It is my hope that in sharing my experience, I have inspired them in return and given them meaningful insight into both the design process and the realities of our industry, what it truly takes for a heritage house like Fleur of England to evolve, endure and remain relevant over time.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, this feels like a true example of give to gain. I gave my time, but I gained so much more in return. I leave feeling deeply inspired by the students and the extraordinary work they have created.

Its incredibly important to thank the tutors and course leaders. Their passion, rigour and commitment to nurturing industry-ready designers were evident in every presentation. The studios themselves have evolved beautifully. Light-filled, technically equipped, and genuinely supportive of experimentation. It was inspiring to see an environment that truly honours both creativity and construction.

Announcing the Winners

Selecting a winner was not easy. The standard across the cohort was exceptionally high.

I am delighted to share this year’s recipients:

Overall Winner
Sienna Walker Farrell – Sienna’s concept was to create a luxury period pant collection for Fleur of England.

Runners Up
Tracy Chikrallah
Becca Kidd

Every student should feel immensely proud. The level of creativity, thought and care across the board was exceptional.

Why This Matters

For Fleur of England, projects like this quietly strengthen our connection to education, reinforce our values around heritage and sustainability, and ensure that craftsmanship remains central to the future of luxury lingerie.

More importantly, they remind me that the next generation is thoughtful, emotionally intelligent and ambitious.

To the students, thank you for your courage, professionalism and originality.

To the teaching team, thank you for your belief and dedication.

I left London College of Fashion genuinely inspired and incredibly optimistic about what comes next.