Meet Newcastle's Next Generation of Designers
After months of creativity, experimentation and craftsmanship, the winning designs from Eldon Square's Future Heritage platform have been revealed, shining a spotlight on the city's brightest emerging talent
A Celebration of Newcastle’s Creative Spirit
The final designs were selected by a judging panel, bringing together local knowledge and industry expertise. Judges included Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square; Libby Lagun, Director of Digital and Creative Industries at Newcastle College; Dominic Osbourne, Education Manager at the British Fashion Council; and representatives from Fenwick Newcastle and Living North.
Reflecting on the project, Helen Cowie says: ‘Future Heritage was created to celebrate Newcastle’s remarkable character while opening doors for the creative talent shaping its future. The standard of work produced by the students has been exceptional. Each design tells a unique story about the city, and it was incredibly exciting to see those ideas move beyond the classroom and receive recognition through such a special public showcase.’
And the Winners Are…
First-place winner, Ellie McInerney, found inspiration in family visits to Cragside and the legacy of pioneering Tyneside engineer, Lord William Armstrong. Drawing on the estate’s gardens, floral interiors and Georgian architecture, she created a striking garment featuring an exaggerated collar and false corset, finished with utility-style D-rings.
‘I love creating avant-garde garments and experimenting with the boundaries of fashion,’ she says.
Rose Henson’s second-place piece brings the story of Newcastle’s Land Girls to life. Rose spent 14 weeks researching and creating the piece. ‘I wanted the design to tell the full story of the Land Girls, from their uniforms to the fields they worked in,’ she explains. Her waistcoat combines a uniform-inspired collar, practical utility belt and woven detailing with a photograph of a real Land Girl hidden inside the pocket. A date taken from the back of the original image is also stitched into the design, creating a connection between one woman’s history and Rose’s contemporary interpretation.
Third-place winner, Riley Richards, looked to the Newcastle of today. An adapted Metro ticket featuring the date Eldon Square first opened links the design directly to the centre’s 50th anniversary.
Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College, says: ‘Future Heritage has put our students in the middle of Newcastle’s creative community. They have responded to an industry brief, developed their ideas with industry partners and seen their work take to the catwalk in one of the city’s most recognisable spaces. We’re incredibly proud of Ellie, Rose and Riley’s creativity and final designs.’
Newcastle’s Rising Designers Hit the Runway
The winning Future Heritage designs made their debut at a major fashion showcase in Grainger Market, bringing Newcastle’s heritage and creativity to life in one of the city’s most iconic settings. Forming part of a wider British Fashion Council initiative celebrating the decentralisation of fashion, the event gave the winners Ellie, Rose and Riley the chance to see their work modelled in front of a live audience and displayed alongside a broader celebration of talent.
Laura Weir, CEO of British Fashion Council says: ‘Future Heritage is a brilliant example of Fashion Britain in action, our national programme aimed at decentralising British fashion and unlocking a new era of participation and creativity across the UK. It’s been a pleasure to engage with Newcastle and see the city’s landmarks, from Grainger Market to Fenwick, become a stage for these young creatives, working alongside our valued patrons Fenwick and Eldon Square to make it happen.’
From Showcase to Shop Display
Following their catwalk debut, the winning designs are set to take pride of place in a dedicated display at Fenwick Newcastle, as well as the surface print designs being transformed into a range of giftable products, giving shoppers the chance to take home a piece of Future Heritage.
Michael Savage, Head of Personal Shopping at Fenwick Newcastle, comments: ‘It was an honour and a privilege to be involved in supporting students from my home city. It was wonderful to see the passion and creativity brought to a brief so closely associated with the North East, and particularly Newcastle. Each student brought such beauty to their storytelling, alongside an incredible level of detail and craftsmanship in their work. Our winners stood out for their ability to look to the past through their designs while presenting something that felt very modern, considered and poetic.’
Creating a Lasting Legacy
By bringing together Newcastle College, Eldon Square, Fenwick, Living North and the British Fashion Council, the project has given young creatives the chance to showcase their work beyond the classroom.
For Eldon Square, it reflects both the centre’s longstanding place in the city and its role in shaping Newcastle’s creative future.
And for Ellie, Rose, Riley and the wider community of emerging talent, this is only the beginning.
