Student reuses donated garments for Victorian-inspired masterpieces

‘Think about what you buy, and how you own it’ aspiring fashion designer collabs with Salvation Army for runway show

Earlier this year, SATCoL (Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd) were proud to support Anna Shirley, a local BA Fashion Design student from the University of Northampton, with textile pieces for her final clothing collection titled ‘Cheswick House: The Architecture of Victorian Elegance’.

The collection initially emerged from Anna’s deep interest in Victorian Clothing, with a particular focus on how historical undergarments have formed the recognisable silhouettes in fashion we see today. After a visit to her family in Northumberland, who own a Grade II listed Cheswick House, Anna felt moved by the vast amount of history and beauty of the place. As a result, Anna spent the next 9 months exploring her creative inspiration.

“Anyone who knows my work, knows that sustainability is always at the heart of what I do” shared Anna.

“Throughout my time at University of Northampton, I have reused bedding, naturally dyed fabrics with avocados and coffee, learnt digital software that reduces my consumption of materials in the sampling phase, and educated myself on the challenges that the fashion supply chain endures, specifically the end of life and recycling opportunities.”

The collection aimed to unmask the layers of Victorian Womenswear through the Gothic Revival architecture and estate of Cheswick House, combining intricate details, statement silhouettes, and sustainable materials, offering a contemporary perspective on late 1800's undergarments.

The textiles were sourced from SATCoL’s Kettering Business Park Processing Centre, home to the UK's only automated textile sorting facility, and included items such as bed sheets, table linens, and other items of clothing. On the visit, Anna recalled “The main thing that struck me was the sheer volume of textile donations we saw, the conveyor belts never stopped moving. It added so much purpose to my project, and continued my resolve to use materials responsibly, creatively, and to increase the narrative around responsible textile consumption.”

After finalising the garments, they were featured in the University’s end of the year runway show, where Anna, amongst other fashion students, had a chance to showcase all of their hard work from the last year. The show was a huge success, with a sold-out audience of over 300 attendees. “This collection has shaped me not only as a designer, but as a storyteller, with a responsibility to the planet. I’m deeply grateful to SATCoL for their support.”

Anna will be continuing to pursue her passion in Rome, where she will be studying for a Masters in Costume Design at the Accademia di Costume e di Moda. “I’m looking forward to continuing to explore sustainable avenues in a costuming context as I further push my limits. The message I hope to leave with those who engage with my work is simple: be more conscious with your clothing. Think about what you buy—and how you own it.”

On the collaboration, Nicole Morarescu, Circular Programme Manager at SATCoL said: "We regularly work with university students to showcase the potential of post-consumer clothing and textiles through creative reuse. Anna's collection is a fantastic example of how innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability can come together to give donated materials a new story and purpose."

You can explore more of Anna’s collection on her website: https://annaclareshirley.wixsite.com/fsh3120/current-work