Style in the Suburbs

Did you know that Kingston has long been a powerhouse of creativity, shaping fashion and design in ways you might not expect?

While the mini-skirt was making waves in the ’60s, the Mini Cooper—another style icon in its own right—was being designed in a small garage in Surbiton. Just up the road, legendary fashion designer Mary Quant, the original mini-skirt influencer, was producing her cosmetics in a Chessington factory.

The real fashion statement to emerge from Kingston came in 1965 when students from Kingston’s School of Art, led by Head of Fashion Daphne Brooker, won the International Youth Fashion Design award in St. Gall, Switzerland. The prestigious win boosted both the school’s reputation and the UK’s standing in design, cementing the ‘London Look’ as the signature style of the Swinging Sixties.

60 years later and the university is still a top destination for fashion studies. Ranked No.1 in London and No.2 in the UK for fashion (Guardian University Guide league tables 2023).

60 years of fashion in Kingston

It’s these incredible stories that led The Community Brain – a local, not-for-profit organisation – to launch the project, ’60 Years of Fashion in Kingston’. With local students at the heart, the aim will be to celebrate the rich fashion heritage in Kingston and the significant role of the fashion school then, now and beyond.

We spoke to Himali Patil, Graduate of MA Sustainable Design at Kingston University and also a lead designer on the project at TCB (spot her beautiful illustration on our cover!) “We’re so excited about this project, it’s an opportunity to connect with the borough’s history, and bring personal stories to life through the lens of fashion, deepening the connection between Kingston’s creative institutions and the wider community.”

“Work in the design school shouldn’t feel insular or separate, it belongs to everyone.”

Creative collaboration

Riverside Walk are thrilled to be kicking off the project. Manager, Greg Miles says, “As long-term supporters of The Community Brain and Creative Youth (a charity also involved in the project) we wanted to help showcase the creativity that comes from Kingston. Using our buildings as a creative canvas for the launch of the project is really special.”

FUSEBOX (home of Creative Youth) will host an exhibition designed by students, telling the story of the renowned Daphne Brooker and the history of the fashion school. Plus, a ‘fashion wall’ will be at The Bentall Centre highlighting local fashion across the years. 

Platform for style

The project will also make its way over to London Waterloo. In conjunction with South Western Railway, TCB will host a unique fashion show highlighting the fashion of commuters over the years. “This is about putting Southwest London on the map as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. By uncovering and celebrating these lesser-known stories from the suburbs, we’re challenging the outdated notion of suburban towns as dull or uninspiring.”

 

 

The future of fashion

“Sustainability will be a key aspect of our engagement efforts, we hope to spark meaningful conversations, encouraging people to share what it means to them. Our event, ‘Festival of Futures’ transports us 20 years ahead, asking the community to imagine how things have changed.”

It’s these conversations and interactions that are imperative to the growth of ideas and future initiatives. “Work in the design school shouldn’t feel insular or separate, it belongs to everyone. These events will help bridge the gap between the student network and wider community. We hope to inspire creative and entrepreneurial individuals to setup their businesses here in the Kingston borough.”

As Team OUT believes, it’s about making the most of the world on your doorstep, there’s always new things to discover, incredible people and a community to be part of. All things that will never go OUT of fashion.

Fancy taking part?

Whether you’d like to bring your creative experience to the project, are a business looking to collaborate, or just fancy getting involved and having fun, TCB would love to hear from you.

 

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Fashion Diary Dates

Festival of Futures
7-13 April, FUSEBOX, Kingston Riverside
and other venues

Mini Day, Sixties Fashion and the Mini Monte
17 May, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton

Fashion Fortnight
17 May – 1 June, The Bentall Centre
and other areas in Kingston

Silent Disco at Surbiton Station – Railway Anniversary
21 May, Surbiton station

Queer Fashion Exhibition
22-31 May, FUSEBOX, Kingston Riverside

Hampton Court Garden Festival
1-6 July, TCB fashion themed garden, Hampton Court Palace

Fashion Exhibition at FUSEBOX
September (date tbc), FUSEBOX, Kingston Riverside

20 decades of Fashion at Waterloo Station – 200 years of the railway’s celebration
17 September, Waterloo Station

@communitybrain
contact@thecommunitybrain.org
thecommunitybrain.org

 

Words by Daniella Matier