The Access Wear competition launched in March 2024, when students from Loughborough’s Fashion Design and Technology programme were asked to design a workwear collection for Access staff that considered diversity, sustainability, style and functionality.
After over a year of working on their designs, 11 student finalists wowed judges and their audience with a stunning array of smart, stylish sartorial solutions for homeworkers, events teams, office workers, and everything in between, suiting today’s modern workforce.
Hollie Yeomans was awarded first prize of £3,000 for her stunning oversized red wool blazer, with a statement hoodie and wide-leg tailored trousers. Hollie’s design will be produced and worn by Access staff.
Designer Chloe Chan took second place with a £2,000 cash prize for her understated grey blazer, fitted shirt trimmed with an Access colour palette and flared trousers.
In third place, Sasha Barnes Crowhurst was awarded £1,000 for her grey blazer, jersey track pants and unisex jumper.
The judging panel, which included Anne Davies, BBC Presenter, Emma de Sousa, Managing Director of Access Legal and Access Recruitment, Ben Whitehead, Access Early Careers Lead and Aadil Mughal, Senior Graphic Designer at Access, had the difficult job of choosing the winning designs and applauded the students’ creativity, attention to detail and presentation.
Sally Wilson, Commercial Director of Loughborough University, speaking at the event commented: “We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Access - this has been a fantastic learning experience for our students and goes a long way to illustrating how the work we do in the classroom relates directly to the world of work and business.
“Having a live commercial brief really helps boost employability skills and the students’ understanding of what is required in a professional design role.”
Emma de Sousa commented: “Workwear has evolved over the last few years, and at Access, it needs to represent the growing diversity of our workforce and new working styles-whether from the office or home. It’s important that workwear offers an option suitable for everyone, which the finalists have shown in their designs.
“This competition has not just been about aesthetics, but also about problem-solving, vision and creating designs that are empowering to make our staff not only look good but feel good, with proceeds going to our charity of the year, Young Lives vs Cancer.”
Anne Davies also commented: “What a wealth of creative talent we have here in Loughborough! It has been a pleasure to be here and celebrate young talent.
“Striking silhouettes, innovation, thoughtful tailoring and intricate embellishments were all on display here this evening within the collection. The students clearly understood the workwear brief and combined it with an excellent fashion aesthetic.
“Huge congratulations to all the winners. This is just the beginning for you—your design journey is just starting. I’m confident we will see many of your names again in the exciting world of fashion design.”