Fashion Designers Win 360° Photoshoots with Zero Waste Competition

Three fashion designers in Leeds City Region will benefit from 360° fashion photoshoots as the winners of our Zero Waste Fashion Competition, in partnership with Leeds City Council and Zero Waste Leeds. 

A 360° product spin allows the viewer to look at a garment from every angle and can be used anywhere from Instagram to virtual learning platforms or a third-party online retailer, supporting the brand to share their story online. 

We had a great response to the competition, in which designers sent in images of their creations and explained how their designs were ‘zero waste’. Adam Mansell, CEO of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), a core partner of Future Fashion Factory, judged the winner and runner-up. Professor Stephen Russell also judged the Director’s Choice award.

Upcycle Fashion design showing fabric offcuts used to create a pleated skirt
Upcycle Fashion’s designs are used for sustainable fashion workshops

The winner is Julia Roebuck, whose business Upcycle Fashion focuses on creating zero-waste garments as part of training and education workshops promoting sustainable fashion. This photography will enable Julia to share her designs with participants during online workshops. 

Adam said: “Upcycle Fashion have a unique way of contributing to zero waste fashion by helping train others how to repair and upcycle fashion. Education and training are key to changing the way we see and use fashion and Julia’s work with local schools and community groups means that the philosophy of zero waste fashion is spread far and wide.” 

Models in Josefin Wanner designs sit beside a lake
Josefin Wanner uses second-hand garments to created upcycled collections

Swedish-born, Leeds-based designer Josefin Wanner is the runner-up, receiving a half-day 360° photoshoot. Josefin upcycles second-hand materials to create her collections and uses any leftover fabric to make small accessories. 

Adam said: “Upcycling clothes and textiles into new fashion items is increasingly popular. What stood out about Josefin’s application was her attention to detail. In her collection even the thread and buttons were second hand or donated. This focus on the sustainability of the entire garment is very important.” 

Independent label Roc and Doll, developed by designer Lucy Bennett, also received a special commendation. 

“Roc and Doll’s garments are very commercial. Lucy has a great design background and I loved the fact that she is using leftovers from her alterations business and incorporating them into Roc and Doll clothing,” Adam said. 

Cunnington & Sanderson, the independent fashion brand based in Silsden, is the recipient of our Director’s Choice award, receiving a half-day 360° photoshoot.

The design duo of Matthew Cunnington and John Sanderson’s zero-waste designs involve draping a single complete piece of fabric to create a distinctive silhouette. 

Model on bed in Roc and Doll top and trousers
Roc and Doll even incorporates leftovers from Lucy Bennett’s alterations business
Cunnington & Sanderson zero-waste design illustrations
Cunnington & Sanderson use clever draping to create garments from single pieces of fabric

Professor Stephen Russell, Director of Future Fashion Factory, said: “We were impressed with Cunnington & Sanderson’s innovative approach to minimising waste in their collections, while often using sustainable fabrics sourced from the region’s mills. I’m pleased to support them to reach a new global audience with photography for digital platforms.”