Fashion students take Pride in charity styling challenge

Published on 9, April, 2025

Students from the University of Sunderland have joined forces with local charities to create an array of budget-friendly outfits inspired by Pride.

Fashion Design and Fashion Journalism students were tasked with creating Pride-themed outfits from clothing found in a range of charity shops ahead of the city’s annual parade in June.

This initiative, which brings together charity retailers, the University and Sunderland Business and Improvement District (BID), aimed to give students hands-on experience working on an industry brief and styling outfits for real-life clients.

Susan Ejenavwome, who studies Fashion Design and Promotion at the University, said: “It was good fun to take part in the challenge and create outfits for the charity shops.

“It allowed us to showcase our creativity but also learn how to work with an industry brief and build relationships with real-life clients. These are all skills that will help us in our future careers.”

After working in small groups with staff from a range of charity shops, prizes were awarded to the students who best met the Pride-themed brief with their outfits.

Charlie Lloyd, Shop Manager at St Oswald’s Hospice Sunderland, said “It was great to have the students in our charity shop.

“They were clearly passionate about second-hand fashion and making more sustainable shopping choices, which is a big part of charity retail.

“As the only children and young adults hospice in the north-east, we love connecting and working with other organisations, particularly in the Sunderland area. We can’t wait for the event in June.”

Ellie Fincham, Community Fundraising Officer at St Benedict’s Hospice Retail, said: "We are delighted to have been included in this wider community project, bringing together people of different ages, backgrounds and genders.

“We believe it's important to encourage younger people to get involved with and contribute to charities in their local area and we are so excited to have met students with such creative potential to make this happen.

“Thank you to everyone involved and thank you for visiting and supporting St Benedict's retail. Happy Pride."

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The challenge, which ran across four retail locations within the city was co-designed by staff at the University’s Centre for Graduate Prospects, Liz Lamb, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Journalism, and Graphic Design University Alum Liam Reynolds who is completing a Graduate Level Innovation Placement with Sunderland BID via the University’s UKSPF Innovation Placement Scheme.

Through the University’s Development Office, Liam was also awarded a Robson Creative Internship in 2023 that unlocked opportunities for students to gain skills for their future careers.

Liz said: “It was a really fun initiative for the students to be involved in. They did research into the Pride festival, looking at symbolism and aesthetics associated with the festival and creating fashion mood boards ahead of the challenge.

“On the day, they worked in groups to style a Pride-themed mannequin for the shop window displays before styling their own individual outfit for £20. There were some fantastic creations, and it was amazing what stylish looks can be created on a budget.

“Alongside displaying their creative abilities, students were able to gain real-world experience in fashion styling and learn the importance of working to an industry brief for clients.”

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “I’m so delighted to see this project coming to fruition, from what started as a gem of an idea at a social collider event last year, has now turned into a sustainable project with a real future.

“It’s been great to work with the University and a range of students on this project, I can’t wait to continue our work with the charity retail sector and the University.”

This challenge was also covered by Fashion North, the University’s fashion news website produced by students studying Fashion Journalism.

Ten outfits from the challenge have now been chosen for display at various locations across Sunderland including Blandford Street throughout June, in celebration of Pride.

The Centre for Graduate Prospects works in partnership with students, academics, business and the community to develop employability and enterprise across the University of Sunderland’s Faculties and campuses, supporting our students to discover, ignite and showcase their spark to succeed.  

If you are interested in studying Fashion Journalism at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.