Habs Monmouth students gained an exclusive and inspiring insight into high‑level fashion education during their visit to the JCA | Jimmy Choo Academy, guided by the ethos of the school’s patron, Professor Jimmy Choo.
GCSE and A level Textiles students from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School enjoyed an inspiring and immersive visit to the JCA | Jimmy Choo Academy in Mayfair, London, gaining a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at studying and working within the competitive fashion industry. The visit held special significance for the school, as world‑renowned designer Professor Jimmy Choo serves as Haberdashers’ Monmouth’s Patron of Fashion, Design & Textiles.
Students enjoyed an engaging introduction to the Academy’s values, creative ethos and industry‑focused degree pathways before embarking on a guided tour of the Mayfair campus. They met lecturers and spoke with undergraduates developing garments for their final collections, gaining an exciting insight into the creativity and technical skill required at degree level.
One of the day’s highlights was an energetic design challenge inspired by the theme Destruct and Construct. With just 30 minutes and half a metre of fabric, students collaborated to tear, plait, sculpt and pin their materials into expressive dress concepts, later transforming these ideas into vibrant fashion illustrations. The challenge provided a lively taste of the creativity and fast‑paced problem‑solving expected in fashion design studios.
The visit concluded with a trip to Liberty London, giving students the chance to explore iconic fabrics and gather further creative inspiration.
Overall, the experience proved eye‑opening and energising, encouraging students to think boldly about future career pathways in fashion and textiles, and reinforcing the strong connection between Haberdashers’ Monmouth and the world of professional design through its patron, Professor Jimmy Choo.
