Level 1 Fashion Design students from Alexander College recently participated in an educational field trip to Nicosia Old Town, focusing on textile research and industry engagement. The visit was organised as part of the MAKE module and led by Fashion Lecturer Michalis Pantelidis, offering students valuable insight into fabric selection, design inspiration, and professional fashion practice.
The first stop of the visit was the studio of EFIERI, founded by designers Erietta and Efi. During the visit, the designers shared their personal fashion journey, from their university years to establishing their own brand. Their discussion gave students an honest and inspiring perspective on the realities of building a creative career in fashion. Students were also able to explore the studio space and learn about the designers’ creative process, gaining insight into how a fashion brand evolves through experimentation, persistence, and a strong design identity.
The second part of the field trip took place at Sipone Textiles, where students explored a wide variety of fabrics while learning about different textile characteristics, textures, and their potential applications in garment design. As part of a practical activity, students selected fabrics that could be suitable for their current fashion projects and created quick sketches and draping ideas, experimenting with how different textiles could support and enhance their design concepts.
The visit concluded at Andreas Michaelidis Textiles, where students were introduced to an extensive selection of couture fabrics. This final stop allowed them to explore high-quality materials commonly used in luxury fashion and understand how the choice of fabric can influence both the aesthetic and construction of a garment.
Overall, the field trip provided significant academic value by connecting classroom learning with real-world fashion industry practices. Through direct exposure to professional fashion studios and textile suppliers, students strengthened their understanding of fabric qualities and textile selection while also developing their creativity through hands-on sketching and draping exercises.
Alexander College extends its appreciation to Erietta and Efi from EFIERI, as well as the teams at Sipone Textiles and Andreas Michaelidis Textiles, for welcoming the students and sharing their knowledge. The experience formed an important part of the MAKE module, helping Level 1 Fashion Design students develop a deeper understanding of textiles and the design process within the fashion industry.
