The Collaboration

We’re so excited to announce the latest chapter of our upcycling design project, partnering with BA Fashion Design students from the London College of Contemporary Arts. This exciting collaboration invites emerging creatives to rethink sustainable practices by reworking deadstock and returned Oh Polly pieces, while considering key S/S 2026 trends, brand identity, and fresh approaches to shape, texture, colour, and form. 

The Process

Working in teams, students were tasked with developing mood boards and forecasting trends before carefully selecting garments to upcycle in line with their creative vision. Participating groups were evaluated on their ability to push creative boundaries, with judges considering their design technique, attention to detail in the construction of the garment, and a styled catwalk presentation. Participating groups were evaluated on their ability to push creative boundaries, with judges taking into account their innovation in upcycling materials and technique, attention to detail in the construction of the garment, the successful creation of volume and shape, and how well their final designs align with the style of the designer chosen as inspiration.

The Winning Team

Congratulations to the winning team, Averil Henry, Meghan Roper, Romario Forrester and Elton Norman Gilbert who secured first place with their final design after wowing the panel with their creative approach to construction, progressive use of materials and cohesive styling vision, inspired by the idea of classic romanticism with an edgy twist.

Thank you to all the talented students at LCCA for all the incredible work they put into this project.
(left to right)

Design 1
Akosua Boatey | Sophia Ballard | Yanislava Dudeva
Supporting Team
Emma Florence

Design 2
Averil Henry | Meghan Roper | Romario Forrester | Elton Norman Gilbert
Supporting Team
Vania Kwame | Alison Robinson

Design 3
Karina Goldberg | Kateryna Orlovska | Huseyin Kaptan | Veronica
Supporting Team
Karolina Goldberg

Design 4
Kamila Zurek | Marta Miguel | Kamal Dalphon Mohammed Omar | Michela Anastasio
Supporting Team
Reece Cleave | Seiwaa Boatey