Crafting collections for Habitat: a BA Textile Design live brief

Challenged by Habitat designers, Textile Design students responded to one of two briefs. Set out to craft an imaginative material collection tailored for a children’s range or an innovative sustainable material or print, all while staying faithful to Habitat’s brand identity. 

Returning to Norwich, designers Tasha Warren, Louise Rynehart and Charlotte Robinson came together to participate in a midpoint review to closely access the array of work, offering up their constructive feedback and professional insights.

An awards ceremony unfolded several weeks later to mark the completion of the industry brief which celebrated the collaborative spirit between established designers and emerging talents. Students were given the opportunity to present their final collections to Tasha and Charlotte, who later present the awards.

Congratulations to Tabitha Baker who won the Commercial Response To Brief Award, Lottie Green who achieved the Innovative Thinking Award, Grace Lawrence who won the Captivating Colour Award and to Thalia Coombs, Melissa Seavers and Jess Grimble who were Highly Commended.

Students’ Comments

The students involved found the project to be extremely valuable and has equiped them with a better understanding of how to tackle an industry led brief. Textile Design students said:

“I enjoyed doing a fast pace project, it gave us an opportunity to try something new with a brand that we all know. Having to work with the brand and it’s vision in my own work was really interesting. It was a positive experience meeting the designers and to get their feedback that helped push my project further. I’ve learnt how to work to an industry level and how they like to see work presented which has helped me to decide what to use in my portfolio.”
Florence Gatrell

“I found it really useful to work with people in the industry and gain that experience before the end of my third year. I’ve learnt how to produce something I wouldn’t normally have done and how industry want to view the work.”
Jasmine Shelley

“I’ve really enjoyed this project, it’s been fun and fast paced. It’s been enjoyable to come out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to work towards something that Habitat would produce themselves and aline my work with theirs. I’ve learnt that it’s important to consider the elements that industry want to see from my portfolio boards and how I could develop my weaving for my final major project.”
Melissa Seavers