Summer Courses
Fashion and Design Bootcamp (16 -19 Yr Olds)
Our Fashion & Design Bootcamp is a practical 4-week studio course for young creatives aged 16–19 who want to explore fashion design, textiles, sewing, draping and portfolio development.
This course introduces students to key stages of the fashion design process, from research, mood boards and fashion illustration through to fabric experimentation, simple pattern work, draping on the stand and sewing. Students will be encouraged to develop their own creative ideas while learning how fashion concepts can be explored through both 2D design work and hands-on making.
This is an ideal course for young people interested in fashion, textiles, styling, costume, creative arts or future study in a fashion-related subject. By the end of the bootcamp, students will have created a small body of creative fashion work that can support their sketchbooks, portfolios, applications or personal creative development.
This is a very unique fashion course. Students will design, experiment, drape, sew, manipulate fabric and begin building portfolio-ready fashion work in a real creative studio environment.
Starting date
4th - 25th August 2026
Suitable for beginners and emerging young creatives with an interest in fashion and design
Day and Time
Tuesdays, 12.30pm- 3.30pm
Duration
Price
£239.99
A summer of creativity, confidence and new experiences
Who is this for?
This course is suitable for young people aged 16–19 who are interested in fashion, textiles, design, styling, costume, illustration, sewing or creative portfolio development.It is ideal for students who:
Students do not need to be advanced at sewing, drawing or pattern cutting. However, they should have a genuine interest in fashion and be willing to experiment creatively.
What's included?
All tools and equipment needed for the course will be provided by Kent School of Fashion.
This includes access to sewing machines, studio equipment, basic art and textile materials, pattern resources, fabric for class activities, and the tools needed for practical making during sessions.
Students will be supported throughout by experienced fashion and sewing tutors, with demonstrations, guidance and individual feedback across the course.
Students will be supported throughout by experienced fashion and sewing tutors, with demonstrations, guidance and individual feedback across the course.
Why this Bootcamp?
This course gives young people the opportunity to experience fashion in a practical, creative and supportive studio environment.
Rather than only learning theory or only drawing designs, students will get to explore the full creative process: researching, sketching, experimenting with fabric, draping, sewing, styling and presenting their work.
It is a great opportunity for students who want to:
- try fashion design before choosing a future course
- build confidence in a creative studio
- begin or strengthen a fashion portfolio
- explore sewing, textiles and garment ideas
- develop their own creative voice
- gain experience of how fashion projects are developed
What Students Will Explore and Create
Across the 4-week bootcamp, students will experience the fashion design process from initial ideas through to practical making and presentation.
Students will explore fashion research, mood boards, colour, texture, fabric direction and fashion illustration, while developing their own creative design concept. They will experiment with textiles through techniques such as fabric painting, surface design, fabric manipulation, appliqué, stitch, gathering, folding or other creative fabric processes.
They will also gain hands-on experience with draping, simple pattern work and sewing, learning how fashion ideas can move from 2D design pages into 3D forms and practical outcomes.
The focus is on helping students understand the full creative journey behind fashion design: researching, experimenting, designing, making and presenting their work with confidence.
By the end of the bootcamp, students will have created a small body of fashion work, which may include:
a mood board or concept board, sketchbook research and development pages
fashion illustrations and design ideas
colour, fabric and texture samples
textile experiments or fabric manipulation samples
draping development work or photographs
a simple sewn sample, garment detail or small fashion outcome
portfolio-style presentation pages
Write your awesome label here.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any previous sewing or fashion experience?
No advanced experience is required. This course is suitable for beginners and emerging young creatives with an interest in fashion and design. Students should be willing to experiment, try new techniques and take part in practical studio activities.
Will I use sewing machines on this course?
Yes. Students will have the opportunity to use sewing machines as part of the course. They will be guided by tutors and supported during practical making activities.
What would I learn on this course?
Students will create a small body of fashion work, which may include mood boards, sketchbook pages, fashion illustrations, textile samples, draping development, a simple sewn sample and portfolio-style presentation pages.
Do I need to bring any materials or equipments with me?
No. All tools and equipment needed for the course will be provided by Kent School of Fashion. Students may wish to bring a sketchbook or folder, but this is optional unless requested before the course begins.
Is this course suitable for portfolio preparation?
Yes. The course is designed to help students begin or strengthen creative fashion portfolio work through research, design development, textile experimentation, sewing, draping and presentation.
Meet the Lead Tutor - Tolumi Abiola
Created with
