Shift Conference at BCU

Today marked the first student-led Shift conference at Birmingham City University. The aim of the conference was to share ideas about the future of fashion and textiles, and to explore potential themes for the industry's development.


Johnny Kerkoff was the opening keynote speaker and I really enjoyed his thoughts on the circular economy; how what we use can in some way be returned to its origins after it has fulfilled its original purpose.

A good number of students chose to speak about causes that were important to them and a lot of the presentations looked at developments in sustainability, which as you've all probably gathered if you follow my social media or website content, is of a big interest to me.

Jessica McEwan	Jessica Parsons
From top left: Samantha Leason; Daniella Ward; Ying Liu; Zheyen Lim	From top left: Navmalika Sidhu; Claudia Ferraretto; Natasha Pearce; Kirie-Lea Cussen

Some of my favourites were;

Jessica McEwan: The plastic-berg problem: optimising packaging discussed the rising issue of plastic in our ecosystems; discussed the problems this causes and potential solutions involving oxo-biodegradable plastic. This material can decompose in an open environment and can be rendered down to virtually nothing in as little as 6 months. Take a look at Jessica's manifesto here to read more about her presentation.

Samantha Leason: Take Responsibility Initiative; Samantha's presentation explored how biodegradable labels (made from cornstarch) could be used to provide information to consumers about how to care and recycle their purchases. This forward thinking could help to pose less of an impact on the environment.

Daniella Ward: Amazon Echo Bloom-the brain of the bathroom. Daniella spoke about her concept for a 'smart mirror' that focuses on your health, make up and skin care; recommending key products to use when pollution or UV rays are high, replenishing items when they have run out and recommending make up that suits your skin tone.

Kirie-Lea Cussen: Are bio-textiles pioneering the future for sustainable textiles design? Kirie-Lea explained the processes and methods she undertook when growing her vegan leather and the pros and cons of the material created. A sample of this was in the open exhibition space and did look as gross as she said it would be! Apparently the smell is pretty putrid too. I'm not sure i will be trying this technique soon!






Following the students speakers, the closing keynote speaker was Caryn Franklin; an educator and activist who I have admired for many years. I first saw her at the Clotheshow many years ago when i was at college and again during my time at the London College of Fashion. I have always enjoyed hearing her speak and the closing lecture she gave at the conference was excellent. She spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry (completely agree!!) and the path she has taken in her career.


I stayed for the whole day and thoroughly enjoyed listening to everyone speak. Also lovely to see Charlotte, although the blogging and social media world will know her as English Girl at Home and talk about the speakers and topics of the day. My Morsbags also made an appearance with all the other recycled creations (see below) as part of the exhibition.