United Kingdom
A social enterprise that gives freedom of expression for London youth through high fashion and carnival masquerade!
Info
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Tell us a bit more about your idea.
A fashion inspired social enterprise fusing couture and carnival masquerade. The idea is to provide the opportunity for London youth to celebrate UK culture and diversity through freedom of expression on a global platform! Young people will contribute to designing and creating high quality, innovative and edgy costumes (and t-shirts) which will be paraded in front of a 2million strong crowd at the 2012 Notting hill carnival! There is the potential for the movement to spread across the UK and have the creations launched at carnivals all over the world! LETS SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WE GOT! P.S. There's a major surprise in store, but you must back the idea for it to be revealed ;;-)
This is NO project! its a self sustainable business that benefits youth and their surrounding commmunities! Costumes that the young people have contributed to designing and creating will be sold at competitive prices, and will be available for sale and hire! However, the profits do not get pocketed to purchase sports cars and designer wear, they will be used to support communities across the UK and to continue to develop the enterprise.
The involvement of young people has always been a consistent factor and necessity in this enterprise. From management roles to volunteers, it has been crucial that young people benefit through gaining qualifications, developing personal and practical skills and then expressing and presenting themselves to one of the largest audiences in the UK (and progressively to a global audience). I specifically wanted 2012 to be the initial showcasing due to the undoubted influx of people and focus on London for the Olympics.
Through personal experience and involvement in carnivals worldwide, particularly the Notting Hill Carnival, it is clear the connection with high fashion could be developed further. It is also apparent that the mass production of costumes in a short space of time has had drastic effect on the quality of costumes being sold. Value for money is extremely low! I intend that this masquerade band will rival those in brazil and trinidad on all levels, including innovation and creativity of costume design, costume quality, entire experience of being on the road for both spectators and masqueraders.
How will your idea make a difference to people’s lives?
First of all, the opportunity is open for all young people (under 25's) whether you are in or out of education, employment and training!! This is set to equip the future generations with creativity, inspire an enterprising culture and an alternative understanding of consumer product/business. Plus, profits will go STRAIGHT BACK to bettering young people and their communities! I am even open to suggestions on what to fund!
Its also a great activity to be involved in during summer, meeting and working with new people whilst gaining a few AQA accreditations!
Due to the majority of intense work taking place during the summer (when young people have the least things occupying their time), this enterprise provides a positive and thriving atmosphere for young people to help themselves and their community. With the outbreak of riots in London this summer, it was clear that had some of the young people caught up in the frenzy been involved in the production of carnival be it towards a masquerade band or steel band, they would have either been too busy or too exhausted to cause havoc of any sort.
This enterprise will offer opportunities for young people who may not necessarily be exposed to or be interested in the many volunteering activities that currently exist. So I have tried to create a way for young people to contribute to the uplifting of their community whilst doing something the enjoy and can have fun doing. For example, they may not have to walk the streets collecting materials to recycle because profits could go towards supporting organisations who are dedicated to doing exactly that.
How long would it take to make your idea a reality?
January - March: Critical thinking - Research, mood boards, designs, design developments, final designs and prototypes. First launch and promotion in march for first intake of live orders. Online orders open.
April - June: Initial production begins. Arrangements for Carnival weekend in order. Second launch in June for final intake of live orders. Re-engage and promote opportunity for intensive 4 weeks beginning final week of July leading up to carnival weekend.
July: Continued production and in take of young people/volunteers on the intensive 4 weeks leading up to carnival. ORDERS CLOSES end of July. 4 week intensive begins.
August: Continued 4 week intensive workshops and production.
CARNIVAL WEEKEND!
September: reflection/review and acknowledgement of achievements!
Why do you think you’re the right person to make this idea a success?
I am a noted 'expert in carnival' according to the well-renowned Timeout magazine, in addition to being involved in carnival my whole life! I have worn costume from before I can remember and represented my band in the king and queen competitions once held at the Olympia. I also play steel pan for the current champions of the UK Panorama (steel band competition), Mangrove.
I have always had a passion for the creative arts despite being a mathematician! I studied fashion and textiles at A-level, and was involved in Fashion Awareness Direct whereby I had the opportunity to co-design with Japanese fashion students for Tesco F&F clothing range. However, I kept fashion as a hobby whilst studying mathematics at university. I have showcased designs at various shows across London and design and make outfits for UK Soca music artists, 'Muzik Lil Muzik'.
I have had experience in project management and the development of social finance/enterprise during a volunteering placement in my final year of study at university.
Most importantly I feel I can provide inspiration to the young people I come into contact with. I know I can effectively interact with young people as a young person myself, encourage a positive mentality and pass on the skills I have gained from my experiences. As a recognised 'future leader' , I will be sure to lead in the uplifting of young lives and liberation of the youth voice through as many creative and innovative routes as possible!
Budget
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Expenditure
Accreditation
£150
Costume materials
£6,500
Equipment (ie. sewing machines, glue s, shears, over-locker etc)
£2,650
Launch/Promotion
£3,000
Lunch: Young people/volunteers (40)
£4,000
Registration/License Fee
£200
Travel: Young people/volunteers (40)
£3,500
Budget Total
£20,000
Oh no! You're planning to spend a bit too much on this idea. Better give this a rethink.
Video
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