Students Showcase LGBTQ+ Fashion Project

Inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month, BA (Hons) Fashion students created a range of colourful garments using the rainbow flag as inspiration. The project centred around inclusivity and sustainability, while celebrating equality, diversity, and the history of the LGBTQ+ PRIDE movement. During a special event on Monday 25^th April at the David Hockney Building, students presented their work and talked about the inspiration behind each garment.

The project was the result of a collaboration between Lenka Kaur, the College Inclusion & Diversity Coordinator, and Angela Loftus, the Bradford School of Arts Fashion Programme Leader. 

Lenka said:

“I am part of the personal development team within student services, with a focus on Inclusion and Diversity. We always seek to work with different departments engaging students in various projects. The idea to engage students from fashion in a project that would celebrate the LGBTQ+ History month came from a similar project we ran a few years ago. We wanted to create something that would resemble the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag and Angela Loftus, the Fashion Programme Leader at the Bradford School of Art came up with the idea of creating garments in the colours of the rainbow flag. 

“The project was a learning curve for all students involved, not only learning new techniques, but also learning about the history of the flag and the PRIDE movement, learning the importance of acceptance and respect. During the LGBTQ+ History Month, students had an opportunity to attend various events and workshops to further their knowledge and learn more about the struggles the LGBTQ+ community face.

“We talked about the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and students wanted to showcase the intersectionality of the community within the project. However, there was not enough time, so we agreed this will become a potential for expansion with other students next academic year. Students have created amazing pieces of art; just thinking about the project brings a smile to my face. I must say, I was blown away by the results students produced. It truly is a legacy they are leaving behind for other students to get involved in and appreciate.” 

Each garment uses a colour from the LGBTQ+ flag including one garment which was a mixture of all the fabrics. The project highlights the importance of fashion in the LGBTQ+ community as a form of expression. 

The beautifully crafted work will be showcased at the summer fashion show in the Bradford School of Arts Lister Building on 10^th June during PRIDE month.