Telford based supplier of embroidered and printed workwear, MyWorkwear has debuted the result of its project with the University of Wolverhampton’s fashion course at the county’s Shropshire Chamber Business Awards. 

They partnered together on the final year fashion students live project where the workwear provider gave the students the brief of “reworking uniform into a runway-worthy piece” with the aim of re-using their old workwear to create a show stopping dress to be worn at industry and local events. 

Following 10 months of collaboration, designing and discussions around sustainability, student Hannah DeHaan was chosen as the winner with a corseted formal dress made from recycled AWDis polo shirts and surplus Portwest cargo trousers. 

Speaking of the experience, Hannah said “My experience of designing for MyWorkwear was challenging at first, but once I really got into it, the ideas started flowing and the design process followed naturally. Samples played a big part in my process as I needed to try different looks all over the dress, plus different patterns.”

She continued, “I have enjoyed this project as it really challenged my creativeness! Learning about all the different roles it takes to run MyWorkwear showed me how much you really do need a confident team behind you which is exactly what I had at The University of Wolverhampton!”

The dress debuted at the counties 25th Shropshire Chamber Awards where Gwynneth Slavin of the Chamber said “I was absolutely blown away by the dress. Who knew that old workwear could be used so creatively to make something so beautiful! Everyone who saw it was impressed by the skills and imagination used to bring the dress to life”.

As long time supporters of the university, and sponsors of their race team, James Worthington, Co-Owner at MyWorkwear said “Working with the fashion students at the University of Wolverhampton has been a real highlight for us. Their creativity, skill and fresh perspective on using workwear sustainably genuinely impressed us. We’re passionate about supporting local talent, so it was a pleasure to give students the chance to take on a live brief”

The MyWorkwear team will be showcasing the dress in their offices and at future local and industry events.