Dress Codes
London Fashion Week February 25 - In a groundbreaking collaboration, Historic Royal Palaces partnered with Young Producers ages 14-17 from Harrow Club, Nova New Opportunities and City Lions.
Lead by FACE member and designer Dr Avis Charles, these nascent creatives worked alongside a range of professionals to create designs inspired by the Royals Ceremonial Dress Collection.
Please note first names only are given for our young designers as they are minors.
Avis Charles, is a fashion and educational consultant with over 45 years of experience. She trained in haute couture under renowned designers serving the British Royal Family. Her consultancy, Avis Charles Associates (ACA), has shaped Africa Fashion International’s fashion weeks and developed global training programs. Passionate about sustainability and traditional crafts, she collaborates with NGOs and institutions worldwide.
A dedicated mentor and philanthropist, she supports young entrepreneurs and initiatives like the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Women for Women, integrating luxury fashion with social impact through her Kivu scarf collection.
“Academic spaces can be daunting and, in many cases, too expensive for young people who may be viewed as being outside the margins or not ideal candidates for higher education,” say’s Dr Avis Ellis-Charles who lead the fashion element of the Dress Codes; Young Producers Fashion Showcase and subsequent exhibition. Advocating and supporting young people, harnessing more than 50 years’ experience in fashion and textiles to promote equitable opportunities. Being selected as Associate Partners with Historic Royal Palaces. “Being selected as Associate Partners with Historic Royal Palaces, was an honour.” says Avis.
“Academic spaces can be daunting and, in many cases, too expensive for young people who may be viewed as being outside the margins or not ideal candidates for higher education,”
“Specially selected outfits, from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection housed at Hampton Court Palace, were the foundation and inspiration for the designs. Magazines, fabric swatches and personal cultural influences became storyboards and moodboards for the final styles of our young creatives.”
“The result? A fusion of Finnish, Egyptian, Moroccan, Cameroonian, Mexican, English, Nepalese, Indian, Lebanese, Dominican and Nigerian heritage garment, were weaved seamlessly into exquisitely made couture pieces which easily graced the catwalk, whist adhering to historical Dress Codes for attending occasions at any Historic Royal Palace.”
“They have also gained practical fashion and life skills that will never leave them.”
Avis is rightly proud. “The Fashion Young Producers have not only created 11 incredible outfits, but they have also gained practical fashion and life skills that will never leave them.”
Dress Codes is now open 13th March to 30th November at Kensington Palace. More info and booking here.
Bold Simplicity:
Designed by Emrakel
“I was inspired by the elegant viels and long trains on the dresses in the collection. I wanted to give them a modern take, with a big exaggerated presence.
My piece is about making a statement, using bold elements such as red and blue.”
Natural Beauty:
Dress Design Lara. Accessory support Toluwani
“The florals and shades of green in the historic dresses made me want to celebrate the beautiful designs that exists in nature.
This outfit has a mythical fairytale feel, involving hundreds of hand stitched applique leaves and flowers.”
Modern Elegance:
Designed by Sneha. Accessory support by Deborah
“I was really inspired by the way Queen Victoria Dressed in black so stylishly. I wanted to update this look and make it feel haute couture.
Chanel has been a big inspiration to me; the classic pearls and hat ground the contemporary gown.”
Eclectic Punk:
Designed by Autumn. Concept by Allair.
“I was inspired by the Duke of Windsor’s tartan suit and wanted to pair this Scottish pattern with harem trousers traditionally worn in my North African community.
The bike style jacket adds contemporary balance and celebrates another sub culture that subverts the norms.”
Female Authority:
Designed by Helene
“I was inspired by princess Diana and Queen Victoria, who were unafraid to restyle masculine cuts and take up space.
I wanted to include cowrie shells traditionally used as currency in my mother’s native West Africa to emphasise female wealth and power.”