Fashion'S COOL

The Fashion School - an introduction:

The Fashion School, established in 2011, is a social enterprise based in Dunbar with the aim of enabling children and young people who were struggling in school to gain skills and confidence while learning how to design and make their own garments.

Over the next 18 years, The Fashion School expanded to include people of all ages from across East Lothian and for almost two decades we've created a huge social impact as we address loneliness and isolation, mental health issues and lack of transferrable skills and confidence.  We also have an intergenerational project which won the 2019 Generations Working Together National awards for "Reducing Loneliness and Isolation" and "Scotland's Most Innovative Project"

We employ some of our graduates who have gained their National 5 SVQ in Fashion Design & Textile Technology at the Fashion School & though our employability courses. Who have gone on to teach and help out in future projects run by the fashion including Summer Schools, Girls Allowed and Fashionkidstas.

We need your help to bring some exciting new opportunities to life:

We now have a really exciting opportunity to widen our project but  we need your help.  Outerspaces, who provide free space for artists and creative practitioners, recently gave us a short term lease on an amazing temporary showroom in a prime location in our Capital City - Edinburgh.

We want to use this space to host a fashion extravaganza where our students will have the opportunity to showcase the work they have created over the years. We'll also use the event as an opportunity to celebrate everyone who has worked with and supported us through our journey.

Going forward, our work in Edinburgh will include a mentoring and support programme for vulnerable women, particularly those from refugee communities. The aim of this project is to boost confidence, support mental health and enable skill development. Together we'll produce an exciting new capsule collection. This work will be led by Huda Abdulgader who has trained with The Fashion School for over 10 years.

Meet The Team

Jacqui, Founder & Director of the Fashion School.

Jacqui is a professional fashion designer with 30 years experience in the international fashion industry. She has shown her collections all over the world. At the height of her career, she had her three children and became a full-time single mum which lead to her International career being put on hold and the creation of the Fashion School.
Qualifications:  Degree in "Clothing Studies and Associateship of the Clothing and Footwear Institute",  PDA in Assessment using direct and indirect methods SCOF Level 8, Dementia training

Alicia, Admin and Social Media Co-ordinator

By day, Alicia is the Property Marketing Manager for an East Lothian Estate Agent but, in her spare time, she is involved in all our social media and crowdfunding projects.

Huda, Fashion Tutor and Design Assistant

Huda gained one of our SVQ in Fashion Design and Textile Technology and has since gone on to work for the fashion school sharing her knowledge and teaching many students.

Caroline, Fashion Tutor 

Caroline gained one of our SVQ in Fashion Design and Textile Technology and became part of our team teaching and helping out in projects. Caroline has also gone on to set up her own business "La Robe a Caro".  

Fraser, Tutor, film maker and photographer 

Fraser gained one of our SVQ in Fashion Design and Textile Technology and has since joined the team to capture the fashion school and all its best moments! If its anything to do with technology fraser is your person - p creating high quality photographs and films for a number of our projects.

Gill, Tutor

Gill was given a Community Excellence Award in 2022 in recognition of her work with the local community. With an HNC in social care, along with her wealth of wisdom and fun personality, Gill provides support and encouragement to our students.  

Choose a reward for donating

Here are just some of the rewards you could select when donating.

MASK UP YOUR STYLE
Choose one of our Fashion School limited edition masks. This triple layer mask is 100% cotton, made in three pieces with the Fashion School logo.  15

FOR EVERY BODY
Choose one of our Fashion School limited edition adult sweatshirts with the logo colour of your choice.  100.

CLASSIC OR FUNKY
Your chance to own a retro classic original by Jacqui Burke (images are for reference only). Choose from Jacqui Burke Retro Classic Skirt or Trousers. 500, Jacket or Dress  1,000 or Coat  2,500.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOURSELF Choose a fashion designer makeover with hair stylist & makeup artist, professional photographer with photoshoot & digital prints included.  350.

TREAT YOURSELF FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
A one off commission to create a designer wedding dress or suit.  5,000.

VISIT OUR REWARDS SECTION FOR MORE INFO ON ALL REWARDS AVAILABLE