Media Make-up, Art, Design and Fashion and T Level Content Creation students took part in a Fashion Show as part of Taunton Together Festival on Saturday. The College collaborated with the Orchard Shopping Centre, Taunton Town Council, Apple FM and local retailers such as New Look, HMV and Crew Clothing to model their autumn/winter collections, Halloween themed T Shirts and their own fashion garment designs. Hundreds of people watched the show which was repeated three times through the day, and a report was broadcast on ITV News.

Model and Level 2 Creative & Digital Industries student, Alex Tomlinson, remarked

“I adore being able to dress up and express myself through fashion clothing and this felt like I was living out a dream come true”.

Matt Cox, Deputy Head – Creative Arts and Digital at Taunton College said

“To see our students gain so much confidence in being part of such a positive event for the community is very special. We had such amazing feedback from both the public and employers in how professional they were that I think it will become a real launchpad for their next steps. We are all so proud of them and there is no end to what they can achieve in the Creative Industries both locally and further afield.”

T Level Content Creation student Honey, who captured the event for social media said:

“This was a brilliant introduction to the career I really want. To work with so many different employers at such a big public event was great for my confidence. I really enjoyed learning outside of the College, it has been a great start to my T Level course.”

The day started with the launch of a collaborative art installation in the centre of the Orchard Centre by Level 3 Art and Design students. The piece entitled ‘Cascade’ was an artwork that represented the flow and movement of the River Tone using offcut leather donations from Mulberry handbags. Individual artworks by the students who followed the river theme were also on display in vacant shop units in the centre.

Pottery Lecturer Tony Francis, spent the day in the Arts and Craft quarter, making ceramics on the potters’ wheel and engaging with people who were interested in giving it a go. Some even took the plunge and got their hands dirty to feel the benefits of working with clay and their own creativity. It was great to have such a range of people who would like to engage with the adult courses at Taunton College.

Photograph shows: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design student walking the catwalk at the Taunton Together Festival.