Youth: The Graduates

Back in 2009, Fashion Sportswear started off as a small offering from LCF, but over the past 14 years, it has grown into a larger (but still relatively niche) programme from LFC. So what exactly is Fashion Sportswear and how does it differ from Fashion Design, you ask? Well, this course, nestled within the LCF product family, takes a technical and function-based approach to design. It’s all about solving problems and creating designs that cater to the user or athlete, with real-life scenarios as the foundation.

In the world of sportswear design, it’s not simply about looking good or following seasonal trends. Kiran compares it to an astronaut’s, “A space suit isn’t designed for aesthetics; it’s designed to keep you alive! It serves a purpose.” In sportswear, the primary focus is on fulfilling its purpose for the athlete or function.

The course attracts a mix of students, including athletes who want to enhance their knowledge and creativity. So are the students generally sporty? “We’ve got sports people who are also incredibly creative. They bring their expertise and passion for their sports, along with a desire to explore the design aspect. It’s really exciting to have this blend of students who understand sports and those who are more fashion-oriented” Kiran explains. “We’re always learning,” exclaims Jess. “We never knew anything about synchronised ice skating until we met Rosie!,” laughs Kiran.

Meanwhile, Hannah Tribbeck combines fashion and sportswear while emphasising sustainability. Her collection transforms pre-existing unwanted and damaged sportswear garments into fashionable pieces. Hannah would like to see more focus from brands promoting longevity and sustainability as she believes there is still a lot more that can be done to educate consumers. When asked what she hopes to achieve upon graduating, Hannah says, “I don’t want to put pressure on myself as I feel I still need time to explore options to find my place in the fashion industry,” however, she does see herself working for a progressive fashion brand that is conscious of the impact we have on the planet and is trying to create qualitative fashion experiences without significant harm on our environment.

“Function takes centre stage in the course, though the function of something can also be visibility or cultural for some students,” explains Kiran. For example, Raul Jegatheesan, a self-confessed ‘football-mad’ designer, incorporates his passion for football into his designs. Raul’s collection is designed to evoke a sense of pride and unity through looking at the history of Malaysia’s football team through the 70’s and 80’s, which is widely regarded as the country’s ’golden era’.

In addition to sustainability and inclusivity, students also delve into the world of technology within the course that can enhance performance and push boundaries. This includes exploring smart fabrics and advancements in garment construction techniques. “I think also we’re all just like a bunch of nerds as well. And we’re just totally fascinated by fabrics and the tiny details!,” Jess laughs.

Looking ahead, Kiran and Jess are thrilled about the potential impact their graduates will have on the industry. “Our students aren’t just designers; they are problem solvers and innovators,” says Jess. “They have the skills and mindset to create meaningful change within the sportswear industry.”