Sustainable Fashion Week 2025

At Norwich University of the Arts, we believe fashion can be a force for positive change. Our approach is rooted in care: for people, for materials, and for the planet.

This year marks our debut as an official Sustainable Fashion Week Hub, and we’re thrilled to be part of the movement. Join us as we share stories, amplify ideas and build connections across the city, to reimagine fashion’s future.

Programme of events

Recrafted Couture exhibition

Recrafted Couture: an exhibition hosted by John Lewis in collaboration with NANSA and Norwich University of the Arts.

Recrafted Couture showcases bespoke garments created by third year undergraduate fashion students at Norwich University of the Arts. The dramatic pieces will utilise donated textiles from NANSA, using couture techniques to redefine sustainable Avant Garde fashion.

• Date: Saturday 27 September – 5 October 2025
• Venue: John Lewis, All Saints Green, Norwich NR1 3LX
• Admission: Free

Screening of Fashion Reimagined, with Q&A from Director Becky Hutner following the film.

Fashion Reimagined follows designer Amy Powney who sets out to create a sustainable collection, sparking a personal and industry-wide revolution. First shown at Tribeca, the documentary went on to receive a nomination for Best Debut Director at the British Independent Film Awards.

There will be a Q&A from Director Becky Hutner following the film. Becky Hutner is a BIFA and EMMY-nominated filmmaker and speaker, telling stories about people doing incredible things in the face of humanity’s greatest challenges. Her work has been widely celebrated for its inclusive and galvanising approach, weaving narratives into pressing topics to inspire action.

• Date and time: Saturday 27 September 2025, 2:00pm
• Venue: Cinema City, St Andrew’s Street, Norwich NR2 4AD

Bundle dye and Tataki-zome workshop

Create vibrant fabric art using flowers, leaves and food waste. Steam and hammer natural pigments onto cloth for stunning, sustainable designs inspired by nature. Open to beginners and above. Age 18+. Please wear old clothes.

• Date and time: Monday 29 September 2025, 1:30 – 4:30pm & 5:30 – 8:30pm
• Venue: St Georges, Norwich University of the Arts, St George Street, Norwich, NR3 1BB
• Admission: Free

Mending Through Time

Join Ruth Battersby, Senior Curator at Norfolk Museums Service, for a talk exploring historical women’s garments that have been altered or upcycled, highlighting sustainable fashion practices past and present. Suitable for ages 14+.

• Date and time: Tuesday 30 September 2025, 10.30am and 12noon (duration 1 hour)
• Location: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Clore Learning Centre
• Admission: Free

Visible mending workshop

Learn techniques to creatively repair and revive clothes in this practical workshop. Explore stitching, patching and embellishment methods that celebrate imperfections.

Please bring your own garments to transform into unique and personal pieces. All other materials will be provided. Some basic, hand-sewing skills will be useful for this workshop. Suitable for ages 14+.

• Date and time: Tuesday 30 September 2025, 2pm (duration 2.5 hours)
  • Location: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Clore Learning Centre
  • Admission: Free
• Date and time: Tuesday 30 September 2025, 5:30pm (duration 2.5 hours)
  • Location: St Georges, Norwich University of the Arts, St George Street, Norwich, NR3 1BB
  • Admission: Free

Garment repair cafe

Do you have a loved garment that needs a little TLC?  Bring it along to a collaborative café for advice, tips and guidance. Refreshments will be provided. All skill levels welcome. Age 18+.

• Date and time: Wednesday 1 October 2025, 2-4pm
• Location: Guntons, Norwich University of the Arts, St George Street, Norwich, NR3 1BB
• Admission: Free

Screening of Crafting Futures: Tai Lue Project, followed by a Q&A with Alison Welsh

Discover how traditional Thai weaving and design innovation empower artisans and support sustainable textiles. Age 18+.

• Date and time: Friday 3 October 2025, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
• Location: Duke Street, Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich, NR3 1BB
• Admission: Free

In collaboration with:

• Cinema City
• NANSA
• Norfolk Museums