Glam collection at hospice shop
Clothes repurposed with creative twist
Young fashionistas are bringing some extra style to the Strathcarron Hospice vintage store in Bridge of Allan.
In 2019 the hospice collaborated on a fashion upcycling project with Larbert High School, hoping it would be the first of many.
Sadly, like many things this year, the plans had to change.
Now, however, the Bridge of Allan store is getting the chance to showcase - and sell - some of the work.
Mhairi Mcainsh, teacher of art and design and community arts at Larbert High, said: “Covid-19 was never going to stop us producing the collection this year.
“With an estimated 50 million tons of clothing discarded every year, we are passionate about encouraging everyone to buy vintage or reuse and repurpose their old clothes and furniture.
“This year, students from S3, senior community arts and practical woodwork classes, have created a collection of repurposed garments and upcycled furniture/interior accessories which are now for sale in the Strathcarron Hospice Bridge of Allan vintage shop, helping to reduce waste and generate valuable monies for the hospice.”
Ordinarily, the collection would go on show at Strathcarron’s annual Glitz & Glam event but, due to Covid-19, the collection is now available to view via photography and film. This has enabled Larbert High to include a record number of students and departments in the project, including S5 Higher photography and media, and there is even a group of S3 pupils who will now be accredited with a painting and decorating unit award from the SQA.
Sophie Calderwood, an S6 pupil integral to the project and a volunteer at the Stenhousemuir shop, said: “With my volunteering at the local branch and these incredible events, I have had some extraordinarily rewarding experiences. Because of this project, and volunteering, I can truly appreciate the important impact and just how vital an asset the shops are, especially in the world’s current climate.”
Fiona Hannah, deputy area retail manager at Strathcarron, added: “We are so proud of the partnership we have with Larbert High School. The creativity, hard work and determination that we have seen from Mhairi Mcainsh, all staff and pupils involved has been inspirational.
“It goes without saying that this has not been the year that anyone expected. With all the challenges we have faced this year, it has been remarkable to have worked on a project that sends out so many positive messages whilst raising muchneeded funds for the hospice. This has been a truly special journey and we look forward to many more in the future.”
Anyone interested in partnering with Strathcarron Hospice shops can email: Fiona.hannah@nhs.scot.