The theme of the 2021/22 Wool4School competition was ‘Design for your Hero’, in which we invited students to choose their hero and design a wool outfit for them that embodies their interpretation of sustainability.
For the second year in a row, Elenya Beard from Bishopston Comprehensive School in Swansea was the winner of the junior category for her wonderful design for her hero, para-triathlete Claire Danson who was paralysed following a cycling accident at the end of August 2019.
The winning design has been recreated into a digital avatar.
We caught up with Elenya and asked her about her experience of the Wool4School competition.
What made you enter the competition?
I entered the competition because I find designing rewarding, challenging and it also gives me time to focus on a physical task and see a purposeful and creative end result. I also think the Wool4schools competition has the most fabulous design briefs that in all honesty are too good not to enter!!
Can you please explain your design?
My design is based on my most inspirational/heroic person. Claire Danson was a professional triathlete who collided with a tractor and was left paralysed from the waist down. I have designed garments that are suitable for wheelchair users (specifically adapted for wheelchair users). I have spoken closely with Claire and received personal feedback in order to aid my designing. I designed 4 garments including: ‘Multi mover’ top, ‘Flexi-sleeves’ jacket, ‘Sole stomper’ boot and ‘snug as a bug’ gilet.
What was your favourite part about the competition?
My favourite part about the competition is working towards the brief. I found this years brief quite challenging as it was so open. You could chose anything! But this was also my favourite part as it gave me full freedom to design what I wanted.
What are your thoughts about your win?
Thoughts on my win - Total shock! I love the Wool4schools competition hence why I’ve now entered two years in a row but to win both times is loopy! I will admit I feel a little bit of pride 😆.
Do you have any advice for students who are thinking of entering next year?
If any students were considering entering I would ask them “what can you lose?” The answer is nothing. It’s a fun, expressive and rewarding competition that is 100% worth entering.
Check out Elenya's winning entry
