<p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">On the evening of April 3rd, students from a range of fashion and creative courses at <strong>Weston College</strong> came together to showcase their talent at </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>Elevate</strong></span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, a spectacular fashion show held in the Regency Suite on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Grand Pier</strong>. This event gave learners the chance to present their work on a professional catwalk in front of friends, family, and the public. Also, the £321 raised from ticket sales will be donated to <strong>Weston Hospicecare.</strong> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The show featured collections and designs from </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>A Level Fashion and Textiles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma Fashion, Business and Retail</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students, and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students. Hair and makeup were also provided by learners from the </span><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>HE Hair, Makeup, Prosthetics and Production</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> course. We also had a range of volunteer models from across different subject areas, showcasing the amazing collaboration of the entire college. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Group of students and staff smiling into the camera"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32686756-168b-4118-a1f2-c21994935dfe" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Each collection was the result of months of creativity, research, and technical skill, developing initial ideas, conducting visual and factual research, experimenting with illustrations and media, and refining their concepts before constructing their final garments in chosen fabrics. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma in Fashion, Business and Retail</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong> </strong>students explored themes such as </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Contrast</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Refabrication</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Nostalgia</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;">, allowing for various interpretations and unique outcomes. Some examples include explorations of the architectural contrast within the <strong>National Trust’s Tyntesfield House</strong>, designs focused on the healing potential of flora, and investigations into the psychology of nostalgia through brain scans and synaptic imagery. Others took a more cultural approach, drawing on rock music from the 1970s to early 2000s. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""One of the models walking along the red carpet"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45424e26-eb88-4f10-bb17-b7946ceee372" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>A Level Fashion and Textiles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students brought an equally diverse range of ideas to life, exploring cultural heritage, mental health, and ethical issues in fashion. From intricate Sashiko-inspired patterns to visual critiques of the denim industry’s environmental impact, these students demonstrated powerful, individual visions that reflected deep personal engagement with their themes. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""One of the models smiling and twisting her blue skirt"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e1cc0ca-383f-4c80-bee6-e70734ea3176" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The creativity didn’t stop at the garments. Students from the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>Extended Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> created stunning looks that carried strong environmental messages. Their work responded to themes such as climate change, the ozone layer, California wildfires, and human impact on the planet—resulting in dramatic, thoughtful, and visually compelling headpieces and makeup designs. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""One of the models with red body paint and a fire headband"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6dae23b8-66b5-43b0-a518-8970c8964a05" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of <strong>Weston College</strong>, expressed her gratitude to both the students and the community for making this event possible, adding, “The Elevate Fashion Show was a true celebration—not just of the incredible creativity and talent of our fashion learners, but also of the community spirit that made it all possible. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“Thanks must go to Michelle Michael and the team at <strong>the Grand Pier</strong> for so generously providing the Regency Suite free of charge, giving our students the unique opportunity to showcase their work in a truly professional setting. Thanks to this support, every ticket sold will go directly to <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong>. We’re also grateful to <strong>St John’s Church</strong> for their kind loan of a lighting system that helped the show come to life. This event is a great example of what happens when education and community come together to lift up the next generation of creatives.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Elevate</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;"> is a great example of how Weston College’s Career Excellence Hubs give our students the career-preparing opportunities to gain first-hand experience in presenting a collection within a professional setting, developing their confidence, communication skills, and understanding of the production and logistics behind a runway event. The evening also offered invaluable exposure to peers, industry professionals, and potential employers which is essential for anyone pursuing a future in fashion or performance industries. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Students adjusting their makeup in the mirror"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3ea672c-07ae-4581-a98e-168740a90afc" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">For many of the student models, walking the runway was a transformative experience. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they rose to the challenge with bravery and confidence, contributing to the energy and spirit of the event and supporting their peers on a night that celebrated creativity, courage, and collaboration. </span><em><span style="font-size:inherit;">Elevate</span></em><span style="font-size:inherit;"> was an amazing reflection of the talent and dedication of our Weston College students, enhanced by community to bring this event to life for a great cause. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Well done to all of our students who got involved in designing, creating, and modelling—this night wouldn't have been possible without your efforts! Also, a big thank you to our fantastic Photography students: Harrison, Ethan, Cerys, Annabel, Taylor, Cameron, Ellen, and Toby for capturing the night perfectly!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong></span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong> </span></p>