Edinburgh College students transform fashion for Cancer Research UK
Edinburgh College Textiles student have teamed up with Cancer Research UK on a design project to breathe life into second hand clothes.
The HND textiles class were challenged to transform donated jackets, coats, trousers and shoes into new outfits. They were given eight weeks to complete the creations that are now on show in the charity’s shop at Raeburn Place, Stockbridge. Each student was given a brief to come up with an outfit that could form part of an adaptive fashion range that proved stylish, functional and accessible.
Adaptive fashion is clothing designed to be on trend while including features that make dressing easier and more comfortable, including for people with disabilities.
Edinburgh College Curriculum Team Manager, Kim Gunn, said: “We have seen some amazing transformations.
“This project showcases exactly what can be done with imagination, creativity and flair. I’m proud of the students, of their focus on sustainability and their enthusiasm. It’s been great to collaborate with Cancer Research UK. So many families are touched by cancer so it’s a charity close to all our hearts.”
HND student Calder Ferguson, 35, of Edinburgh designed a two-piece skirt and top by combining a dark windbreaker, a pair of blue leggings and a high-vis vest. His focus was on creating an eye-catching outfit that would make dressing easier for someone with limited mobility. He was inspired by another student he met whilst they were on placement in Brazil.
Calder said: “The client has low finger dexterity so magnet closures and an elasticated waistband were chosen to avoid fiddly fastenings.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and it’s great to see the outfits on show in the shop. I lost my uncle to brain cancer and I know so many families are affected by the disease. It’s good to be able to give something back.”
Freyja Lavender, 19, from Portobello, created a maternity outfit by repurposing a trench coat, a pair of men’s trousers and summer hiking shoes.
Freyja said: “The outfit is designed to make the wearer feel confident, sleek and comfortable all the way through their journey with pregnancy and I hope they’d be able to wear it after the baby was born too.
“Sustainability is important. There are so many clothes already out there in the world. It’s much better for the environment to repurpose clothes rather than buying new clothes all the time. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the environment.”
Mature student Sandra Cameron of Edinburgh made an adaptive garment, specially designed for people with dementia. The outfit was in memory of her mum, Lily Bathgate who died from dementia in March 2025. It was created using a handbag, shoes, jacket and trousers.
Sandra said: “Dementia robs people of so much of their personality and dignity. “My mum was a vibrant lady who loved colour. The clothing items I was given were dark so the first thing I wanted to do was put colour back in by dyeing them. I used magnetic buttons to make the outfit as accessible as possible.”
In Scotland, around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years. Money raised in the charity’s shops helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Cancer Research UK shop manager, Suzy King, said: “We’re excited to showcase these designs in our Stockbridge shop. The students have shown creativity turning donated items in to something special.”
Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £38m in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit www.cruk.org/shops.
