circus act

- Circus as Inspiration: Discover how circus and carnival themes influence fashion through rich history and culture.
- Theatrical Expression: Learn the impact of avant-garde and dramatic elements in fashion design.
- Design Storytelling: Understand how textures, patterns, and cultural references build compelling fashion narratives.
- Joy in Details: Sharpen observation skills by identifying what elements evoke joy in design.
- Celebrating Individuality: See how fashion can support inclusivity and creative rebellion in a divided world.
- Concept Creation: Develop strong design ideas and mood boards to capture a creative vision.
- Fashion Illustration: Enhance sketching and illustration skills.
- Design Experimentation: Build hands-on experience in researching and testing fashion elements.
- Visual Storytelling: Improving ability to critique and present design ideas effectively.
- Digital Tools Proficiency: Learn to use design software like Photopea and Canva for digital output.
- Creative Documentation: Use photography and visual tools to document and communicate ideas.
- Jennifer Barrett (Founder, TICE): Jen is the Founder and Managing Director of TICE, with 20+ years experience in the fashion industry. She’s also an Assistant Professor in Fashion Communication at Northumbria University.
- Liv Ashton (Menswear Fashion Designer): Liv is a graduate in BA Fashion at Northumbria University, specialising in menswear pattern cutting and sportswear. Liv has gained valuable industry experience through her work with renowned brands such as Barbour and Galvan London, where she honed her skills in both heritage and high-end fashion environments.
- Georgia Long (Junior Garment Technologist at 4th & Reckless): Georgia is a Fashion Designer, specialising in pattern cutting and product development. Georgia graduated in Fashion at the University of Arts London and has worked with the likes of Galvan London, Neomie and 4th & Reckless.

Circus Act champions imaginative thinking and creativity as powerful tools for building a better future, acting as a balm for a divided world.

Students were challenged to create a small collection of theatrical designs that spark joy and offer a sense of escape, inspired by the magical allure of the circus.

Through bold textures, vibrant cultural references, and avant-garde fashion, they illustrated three to four unique outfits and a circus-inspired poster.

Along the way, they developed skills in mood boarding, sketching, and storytelling, celebrating creativity and individuality as tools for happiness and optimism in an uncertain world.

hear it from our students…

“I think that through completing this project, I have gained my valuable information on fashion design and the stages of the design process. I have achieved a greater understanding of the circus, [and] how it can be expressed in fashion. Personally, I have gained more research skills and have been able to learn how to be bolder and to take risks.”

— student, st. Mary’s catholic school

“I think that studying and revising for Textiles GCSEs will be a lot easier than I thought it would be (I am in year 9 so I haven't chosen yet). I didn't realise how much progress I could make and how much I would enjoy the different aspects of the design process. It made me feel more prepared for when I set my own independent projects for myself in the future.”

— student, burnside college

“Personally, I have achieved a further love for fashion. Doing all of the research helped me find out so much more about my favourite designers and new designers too. I feel proud being able to balance this along with all my homework and extra-curricular activities - it has taught me some valuable life lessons.”

— student, st. Mary’s catholic school

“I feel more confident in doing art and textiles and O feel like this project has given me an AMAZING taster of what studying fashion would be like (especially with the deadlines!) and I have really taken on the skill of being able to research my chosen circus icon and conveyed that into my sketches! I think that this project has made me more precise with the research and the way I interpret them in sketches.”

— student, marden high school

“It is a personal challenge that does not involve loads of time, but the timeIi spent on it is spent well as it’s much better than being on my phone. I loved it and it has given me a better understanding of design and the circus which I would never have understood if I had not done this course.”

— student, marden high school

“I feel that I have achieved a newfound sense of creativity and confidence through this project, I have been able to create designs and concepts that reflect me as a person, rather than just copying ideas and designs that already exist. I have also gained skills in creating exciting PowerPoint presentations and Photoshop, these are all skills that will help me in a future career in fashion design!”