From the 14th to 17th March, the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham became the host of three respective fashion shows: Creative Craft Show; Sewing For Pleasure; and Fashion And Embroidery. Each one consisted of various conventions, catwalks and competitions that unleashed creativity of all sorts and stimulated fashion enthusiasts. 

Curious to learn more, I spoke to Vasylyna Vitvitska, who came third with her incredible design in the ‘2024 Fashion Icon Competition’ (based on the designs of ‘the late disputed queen of British Fashion’ - Vivienne Westwood) at the Fashion And Embroidery Show.

Vasylyna explained to me that the 2024 Fashion Icon Competition encouraged students aged 13-18 to research Vivienne Westwood’s innovative career across the years and create a spin on one of her distinctive designs. If selected as a finalist, students could bring their design to life. Dame Vivienne Westwood (8th April 1941 - 29th December 2022) was known (and still known today) as a worldwide fashion phenomenon who created some of the most ‘revolutionary’ designs whilst maintaining tradition; from British punk to the classic tartan patterns. In fact, she was ranked by Sky Arts in their 2022 article as the 4th most influential artist in Britain of the last 50 years!

After dropping off her garment with the judges upon arriving at the NEC, there was the opportunity to explore numerous craft stalls from different brands, businesses and textile artists, as well as exhibitions for about an hour. Vasylyna said: “There were many high-tech sewing machines on display alongside stalls that sold craft supplies and several were jewellery-making equipment. My favourite stall was by Alison Hulme as she does really cool textile printing.”

Afterwards was the time to prepare the costumes backstage for the upcoming catwalk. “One at a time, everyone went on the catwalk and showed the judges what the garment looked like with them (the designers / modellers) wearing it.”

After each finalist had their time to shine, they all had to stand at the front of the stage, where (before receiving the results) the judges asked everyone a question; 'What do you like most about Vivienne Westwood?' Asking Vasylyna that very same question, she replied, “What I like the most about Vivienne Westwood is the way she used historical styles and techniques in her work, putting a modern spin on them.”

There were several other competitions similar to the one Vasylyna participated in. Likewise, each one was competitive as they showcased a selection of unique garments sewn and stitched with utter care and precision. 

The fact that Vasylyna came third is an incredible achievement, having spent many hours developing her intricate design and claiming that this was her first time sewing a garment from scratch! It simply goes to show that hard work, dedication and a bit of creativity are key ingredients to success. Vasylyna closed this interview by saying how “the competition process was challenging but very fun overall!”