BELFAST Met recently held its inaugural Creative Week showcasing talent across its creative academic areas from fashion, visual arts and hair and beauty to performing arts, hospitality and supported learning.
The showcase events included a bronze sculpture exhibition, photography exhibition, interactive supported learning project, edible art display, visual art exhibition, dance show and music performance.
As part of the event a formal afternoon tea accompanied by a themed fashion show was held in the Belfast Harbour office. The week culminated in the annual fashion show, supported by the Committee for Employment and Learning and held at Parliament Buildings.
Including original ideas, assignment work and pieces created for competition entries, over 100 student- designed creations hit the runway at Stormont. The designs, which included evening gowns, ’90s pastels, industrial skirts, men’s heritage, modern tweed, beachwear and costume were created by fashion students at all curriculum levels in Belfast Met including BTEC Level 2 and 3 diplomas in fashion and clothing, part-time BTEC Certificate in fashion, fine art and design, BSC (Hons) in fashion management and City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in theatre costume fashion.
Creative Week was a student-led event, with exhibition and fashion pieces, catering, styling and modelling all provided by college students.
Marie-Therese McGivern, principal and CEO of Belfast Met, said: “Belfast Met is at the forefront of developing talent across a range of creative areas and our learners will lead the future success of the creative economy in Northern Ireland.
“It is fantastic to give our learners and staff an opportunity to see their original ideas and teaching methods brought to life during the Creative Week events. Following on from the success of this inaugural showcase, we hope to turn Creative Week into an annual event.”
Robin Swann, chair of the Committee for Employment and Learning, added: “The committee was delighted to play host to the Belfast Met Fashion Show 2014. For the second year in a row, the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings has provided the backdrop for an inspiring display of creativity and cutting-edge fashion.
“The students and staff can be extremely proud — this show has come about as a result of their talent, hard work and dedication.”