Oxfam Bethnal Green & LCCA: Reimagining Outerwear Through Upcycling and Storytelling
Since September_ Oxfam Bethnal Green and the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) have been collaborating on a bold circular fashion initiative that fuses sustainability_ heritage tailoring_ and creative storytelling. Today_ students unveil their final creations at the Oxfam Bethnal Green store_ where the collection will be on public display for one week.
Over the past months_ fashion students have been reimagining donated outerwear — from vintage trench coats to classic jackets — using at least 40% of the original garments. In exchange for contributing two pre-loved items to Oxfam_ participating students selected two outerwear pieces to deconstruct and redesign_ breathing new life into forgotten fashion.
Rooted in radical sustainability and precision tailoring_ the project challenged
students to:
• Reinvent outerwear for a sustainable future
• Master techniques in deconstruction_ repair_ and reuse
• Engage deeply with the circular economy
• Infuse garments with social_ ecological_ and narrative value
Each redesigned piece features a QR code_ offering a digital journey through the garment_s origin_ transformation_ and care instructions — turning fashion into a living medium for storytelling and education. The finished garments are now exhibited for one week at Oxfam Bethnal Green_ with six standout designs showcased in the store_s front window.
This initiative aligns perfectly with LCCA_s spirit of sustainability and its commitment to championing the circular economy_ giving students meaningful_ hands-on experience of working to real-world industry standards through multiple live briefs and collaborative projects. Students may also choose to donate their final pieces_ with 100% of proceeds supporting Oxfam_s global mission to fight poverty and injustice.
“This collaboration empowers students to see fashion as a force for change — combining creativity_ sustainability_ and social impact_” said Kelly Ann Saunders_ Store Manager at Oxfam Bethnal Green.
“It_s about transforming both garments and mindsets.” This partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing waste_ promoting circular fashion_ and strengthening community ties through creative reuse — proving that fashion can be more than style; it can be a catalyst for change.