Collage Fashion Design
Cut, layer, style, repeat.
The Set Up
This idea was inspired by Shannon Merenstein’s incredible book ‘Collage Workshop for Kids’, created with the art educators at The Eric Carle Museum. Their work celebrates open ended making, real materials, and the joy of every child creating something completely their own. It’s the perfect spark for a fashion twist!
Start with black and white full length photos of each child. I like taking a few different poses and printing them as a little trio for a gorgeous final display, but a single portrait works just as well.
I upload the photo to Canva, click remove background, switch it to mono, and print on thick paper so it can handle a good amount of glue and texture. Or you could just print the photo as normal and then cut around the body and paste onto another piece of cardstock.
Set out a curated pile of fashion goodness. Fabric scraps, ribbons, sequins, buttons, lace, feathers, trims, anything with colour or personality. Add oil pastels and PVA glue. Old clothing from op shops can be cut into the most incredible tiny “textile” pieces. Silk, tulle, crinkled cotton, beaded trim. Kids respond so beautifully to real textures. Think of it as a miniature designer studio with plenty of choice, but without overwhelming them.
The Making
Encourage the artists to think about character rather than outfit. Who is this person? Where are they going? What kind of mood do they have today? But remember that there aren’t any rules! Some pieces end up whimsical and bold, others lean sculptural with little twists and pleats of fabric.
As they layer, you might like to talk about how fashion and colour communicate feeling. A stiff collar can feel powerful and beautiful. A flowing ribbon can feel soft and secure.
Artist Study: Rei Kawakubo ‘Comme des Garçons’
Kawakubo is one of the most fearless fashion designers in the world. She began her career in Tokyo, then took over Paris runways with work that refused to fit inside any rulebook. Instead of neat sketches, Rei often starts by tearing paper, pinning fabric, layering odd shapes and shifting pieces around until something feels alive. Her designs aren’t about looking perfect. They are about emotion, character and the curiosity to try something that hasn’t existed before. It is the most beautiful reminder that fashion is self expression long before it becomes clothing!
Variations
Make a whole runway by lining up each child’s trio of poses.
Create a group “fashion house” by assigning themes and letting everyone design within the brief.
Materials
Black and white printed photos
Fabric scraps, ribbons, lace, trims
Sequins, buttons, feathers, pom poms
Oil pastels
PVA glue
Scissors
Cardstock for backing
Back to Top
Collage Fashion Design
Cut, layer, style, repeat.
Bookmark
Collage
The Set Up
This idea was inspired by Shannon Merenstein’s incredible book ‘Collage Workshop for Kids’, created with the art educators at The Eric Carle Museum. Their work celebrates open ended making, real materials, and the joy of every child creating something completely their own. It’s the perfect spark for a fashion twist!
Start with black and white full length photos of each child. I like taking a few different poses and printing them as a little trio for a gorgeous final display, but a single portrait works just as well.
I upload the photo to Canva, click remove background, switch it to mono, and print on thick paper so it can handle a good amount of glue and texture. Or you could just print the photo as normal and then cut around the body and paste onto another piece of cardstock.
Set out a curated pile of fashion goodness. Fabric scraps, ribbons, sequins, buttons, lace, feathers, trims, anything with colour or personality. Add oil pastels and PVA glue. Old clothing from op shops can be cut into the most incredible tiny “textile” pieces. Silk, tulle, crinkled cotton, beaded trim. Kids respond so beautifully to real textures. Think of it as a miniature designer studio with plenty of choice, but without overwhelming them.
The Making
Encourage the artists to think about character rather than outfit. Who is this person? Where are they going? What kind of mood do they have today? But remember that there aren’t any rules! Some pieces end up whimsical and bold, others lean sculptural with little twists and pleats of fabric.
As they layer, you might like to talk about how fashion and colour communicate feeling. A stiff collar can feel powerful and beautiful. A flowing ribbon can feel soft and secure.
Artist Study: Rei Kawakubo ‘Comme des Garçons’
Kawakubo is one of the most fearless fashion designers in the world. She began her career in Tokyo, then took over Paris runways with work that refused to fit inside any rulebook. Instead of neat sketches, Rei often starts by tearing paper, pinning fabric, layering odd shapes and shifting pieces around until something feels alive. Her designs aren’t about looking perfect. They are about emotion, character and the curiosity to try something that hasn’t existed before. It is the most beautiful reminder that fashion is self expression long before it becomes clothing!
Variations
Make a whole runway by lining up each child’s trio of poses.
Create a group “fashion house” by assigning themes and letting everyone design within the brief.
Materials
Black and white printed photos
Fabric scraps, ribbons, lace, trims
Sequins, buttons, feathers, pom poms
Oil pastels
PVA glue
Scissors
Cardstock for backing
Back to Top
Add this to your favourites
Add this to your favourites
Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
