Fashion Textiles student works with couture tailor to create range of masks

A UWE Bristol Fashion Textiles student has been working closely with designer Ronald van der Kemp (RVDK) and his couture tailor in Amsterdam.

Michalis Pantelidis, who is currently on his placement year, worked with the renowned designer to create a range of 30 masks using leftovers of fabric from 30 couture looks spanning five years of previous RVDK collections.

The work culminated in an event at Amsterdam’s Hotel De L’Europe, which showcased the masks and raised awareness of their upcoming exhibition and auction; the proceeds of which will be donated to the Refugee Company.

Michalis’ role involved assisting in the pattern cutting and development process and coordinating the outfits and models on the day of the event via zoom meetings in order to maintain social distancing rules. Each model was allocated their own hotel room and had to do their own hair and makeup, receiving instruction tutorials via zoom from professionals. The models had to dress themselves, though on occasion Michalis had to don protective clothing to assist in the dressing. 

Michalis said: "We can find new ways of doing things and stay creative, even under the pandemic Covid-19 ... Surrender to a sustainable fashion future"

To find out more, visit the Vogue website.