On 25th April BBC East Midlands Today visited Leicester’s Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) to film learner and designer Sallyann Kirk.

Sallyann loves to create her own work by upcycling ‘fast fashion’ garments and hand embellishing. Her first collection ‘Unloved Daughters’ launched in line with Fashion Revolution Week, aims to highlight the work of skilled garment workers and to turn throw-away, fast fashion into catwalk-worthy designs.

At the FTA Sallyann gained garment making skills using industrial sewing machines and successfully completed the Level 1 Award in Fashion & Textiles (Stitching) and has now enrolled for Level 1 Certificate in Fashion & Textiles (Patterns). The FTA team are really proud of her and always encourage and support learners with their creativity and finding their own niche.

Sallyann commented: “The skills I am learning at FTA are going to be so valuable going forward on my fashion design journey. Spending the morning filming with the BBC at FTA was a really positive and enjoyable experience and the support I have received from everyone there has been greatly appreciated.”

Jackie Bertram, FEL / FTA Deputy CEO, was also interviewed by BBC East Midlands on sustainability in the fashion industry and how we can support individuals like Sallyann to gain skills and knowledge.

Tap here to view the BBC footage of Sallyann and Jackie Bertram.