Ravensbourne University London’s Denim Innovation puts students at the forefront of sustainable fashion
Ravensbourne University London hosted this year’s Denim Innovation project on Thursday 22 January, bringing together industry leaders, academic staff and students for a full day of presentations exploring denim design, branding and innovation. As part of the event, undergraduates presented their finished garments to an expert judging panel, sharing detailed insights into their material choices, production processes and sustainability considerations.
The annual project saw Year 2 BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons) Fashion Buying & Brand Management undergraduates present their final concepts to an expert judging panel, following several weeks of industry-led learning and collaboration. This year’s Denim Innovation partnered with premium denim retailer Rivet & Hide, alongside global mills and suppliers Bossa, Candiani, Cone Denim and Isko, with trims sponsored by YKK.
Mohsin quote
What makes this project special is that it brings together different courses. It’s a genuinely collaborative, industry-led project that connects students directly with denim mills and helps them understand where production happens. It’s one of the only courses in the UK that runs a collaborative denim project at this level, which makes it incredibly important.”
Throughout the day, student teams delivered summative presentations outlining their self-developed sustainable denim brands, considering everything from market positioning and customer insight to circularity, branding and promotion. Presentations took place in Ravensbourne’s main building, with judges assessing each project on sustainability and clarity of concept.
The judging panel included James Desmond (Rivet & Hide), Matt Duckett (Denim Branding Specialist), Jon Gormley (Isko), Gab Magopa (Cone Denim), Mohsin Sajid (Denim Specialist and Historian) and AMC Newton (Fabric and Circularity Advocate), who provided feedback and insight throughout the day.
Student quote
Ravensbourne brings in so many industry professionals, which is fascinating. You’re encouraged to be conscious of how you make things, which helps you learn the basics while also elevating your work.”
Award-winning projects highlighted throughout the day included:
Fashion Awards
- Overall Winner: Baseline
Announced by James Desmond, Rivet & Hide - Marketing & Branding Award: Werkwear
Announced by Matt Duckett, Denim Branding Specialist (publicwrk.com) - Concept Award: Untamed
Announced by Mohsin Sajid, Denim Specialist and Historian - Commerce Award: Baseline
Announced by Jon Gormley, Isko - Circularity Award: MKR5
Announced by AMC Newton, Fabric Sustainability and Circularity Advocate - Materiality Award: Remnant
Announced by Gab Magopa, Cone Denim
Photography Awards
- Winner: Bushido
Photographer: Naima Omar - Highly Commended: Seyage
Photographer: Naima Omar - Highly Commended: Azadi
Photographer: Immi Taylor
Denim Innovation
James quote
From a younger perspective, it’s like seeing a new use for traditional fabrics. It’s very encouraging and promising. The fact that younger people are interested and finding ways to introduce these techniques to a new generation is really exciting to see.”
Following the presentations, the Denim Innovation exhibition opened in the new foyer space at Ravensbourne’s Greenwich campus, showcasing the final garments and brand concepts. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 12 February, with photography captured by BA (Hons) Digital Photography students.
The day concluded with a private view, awards ceremony and celebration in the Ravensbourne café, recognising standout projects and marking the culmination of this year’s industry collaboration.
Mandi quote
Partners coming in gives students the experience of presenting professionally to industry, which is a big deal, especially in their second year. They become proud of their work, gain confidence and it makes the project feel real. This experience is crucial as they prepare to go on placements; it equips them with skills and professionalism they can carry forward.”
Ravensbourne’s Denim Innovation project continues to reflect the university’s commitment to embedding sustainability and industry engagement within its fashion curriculum, equipping students with the skills and confidence to respond to the evolving needs of the industry.
To find out more about our fashion courses, click here.