TRAID Education took the students of Glenthorne School on a journey to discover the real story behind our clothes. From the cotton fields in West Africa to garment factories in Bangladesh, the Year 9 classes examined the impact that our clothes have on people and the planet, whilst exploring more ethical and sustainable ways to consume clothes.

The Year 9 textile students were invited to design and make a denim bag from a pair of unwanted jeans and demonstrate different techniques to add value and give longer life to the ubiquitous wardrobe staple.

Year 9 students at Glenthorne School
Year 9 students at Glenthorne School
Sewing unwanted denim into bags
Sewing unwanted denim into bags

Ms Degiorgio, Glenthorne School’s textile teacher said:

‘All the students have been really engaged with the project and I feel, as a result, have learnt a great deal about sustainability and the work that TRAID do. They are very proud of the work that they have achieved’

Displayed in the window of TRAID Peckham is a selection of bags made from unwanted denim jeans that the Year 9 students produced. The window display will be up until the 31st August 2015.

Re-worked denim displayed in TRAID Peckham window
Re-worked denim displayed in TRAID Peckham window
Re-worked denim displayed in TRAID Peckham window
Re-worked denim displayed in TRAID Peckham window
Close up of re-worked denim in the TRAID Peckham window
Close up of re-worked denim in the TRAID Peckham window