A talented young designer at King’s Ely school is celebrating victory in a prestigious competition.
John-Oswald Crichton, 17, was one of eight fashion and textile design students at King’s Ely to be shortlisted in the national Stitch Festival Dressmaking Competition, which was held as part of the Stitch Festival at London’s Business Design Centre this month.
John-Oswald, who is in Year 13 at King’s Ely Sixth Form, was voted the winner of the “Eveningwear Teenage” category of the competition with his stunning garment. The judging panel was made up of four dressmaking and textile experts – Esme Young, Lisa Comfort, Nerrisa Pratt and Mark Francis. John-Oswald’s dress was modelled on the catwalk at the festival by Thea Allinson, who is also in Year 13 at King’s Ely.
John-Oswald joined King’s Ely Junior in Year 6. He is studying textile design, mathematics and biology for his A- levels, and he hopes to study fashion design at the University of Leeds.
Speaking about his win, John-Oswald said: “I am delighted to have won, especially in a category which had so many strong entries! It was such a fulfilling experience to see my garment on the catwalk. It was great to see it move on the human form, as well as seeing the reactions from the crowds. I don’t think I will ever forget the experience.”
John-Oswald was shortlisted alongside Maria Jago De La Cuerda, Emilia Decker, Kitty Carr-Lake, Disa Hellyer, Elanda Cundy, Chloe Skoulding, and Meghana Gurung. Each student had to provide information about the garment they had produced, including the use of both creative and technical processes. All the designers’ shortlisted garments were on display at King’s Ely’s stand at the festival, alongside lots of other striking pieces made by pupils.
John-Oswald was also proud to exhibit his winning piece – and another garment he made – at the “For Worship and Glory II Exhibition” at Ely Cathedral. The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) exhibition opened in January, and King’s Ely’s GCSE and A- level textile design students were invited to showcase their work alongside RSN designers.