Revive Couture Project Description:

Revive Couture is an upcycling fashion show designed to empower young people and emerging artists in Gloucester, it evolved from the first Guildhall Young Programmers Pilot which was co-created by Chipsa and The Guildhall 2023-2024. This innovative event provided a platform for participants to express their creativity, gain new skills, and foster environmental awareness about the impact of fast fashion. By reclaiming cultural spaces and showcasing local talent, Revive Couture aimed to inspire audiences and young creatives to rethink their relationship with fashion and sustainability.

The event included a dynamic movement workshop led by SAY Dance, in partnership with The Place, London. The workshop focused on building confidence and authenticity through movement, helping participants develop their own sense of self-expression on the catwalk.

The high-energy fashion show integrated the creative work and styling of local artists, modelled by the young participants who proudly showcased their newfound skills and confidence. The fashion show included musical performances by local artists Tsantana, Miss Figure ATE, and GCODA—part of The Music Works Upsurge talent programme— and hosted by the incredible Greta Grip adding to the vibrant atmosphere; blending fashion, dance, and music into a unique cultural experience.

For the youth team involved, Revive Couture offered more than just a creative outlet; it provided opportunities for personal growth, self-confidence, and ownership over Gloucester's cultural spaces. It also equipped them with practical skills and insights into the fashion industry's environmental challenges, empowering them to become advocates for change in their communities. Revive Couture forged a sense of pride in the city’s creative potential and highlighted the importance of youth-driven cultural transformation.