Upcycled Lampshade Workshop at FOCUS25
Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London
ReFAB Studio x Sanderson
ReFAB Studio had the pleasure of leading a bespoke upcycled lampshade workshop at the beautiful Sanderson showroom in Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, for their FOCUS25 event.
The workshop was led by our Head of Design, Cordelia Blair-Stickland, the session invited participants to transform Sanderson’s beautiful pre-consumer textile remnants into unique, handcrafted lampshades — celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
The workshop highlighted our shared commitment with Sanderson to circular design and responsible making. Most attendees were first-time makers, discovering the joy of creating something beautiful from materials that would otherwise likely get wasted.
It was inspiring to share ReFAB Studio’s mission among such forward-thinking peers and to see the enthusiasm for sustainable design grow. Every conversation and collaboration brings us one step closer to a more circular and conscious design future.
Venue: Sanderson Showroom, DCCH
Date: 18th September | Time: 10 AM – 12 Noon
New Designers 2025: Upcycling Visions, Bold Futures
The energy. The ideas. The innovation. New Designers 2025 was an exhilarating celebration of emerging creative talent – and bold visions for what a truly circular future could look like in the design industry.
We were proud to be right at the heart of it: sponsoring the UK’s first-ever Upcycling Award, judging outstanding sustainable design entries, and co-hosting a Mini Masterclass that sparked powerful discussion and fresh thinking. This award was a significant milestone for both ReFAB Studio and the wider design industry, where the shift towards thinking more sustainably was evident at this year’s New Designers.
Celebrating The Next Generation of Circular Designers
Our award was created to champion young designers turning waste into exciting new materials and to celebrate those who see circular thinking not as a limit, but as a launchpad for innovation.
The entries didn’t just impress – they pushed boundaries. From reimagined materials and reinvented objects to bold speculative systems and community-driven approaches, each one challenged the status quo.
Congratulations to our brilliant winner, @mfv.archive, and to the three specially commended designers whose work stood out for its conviction, clarity and creativity:
· Martha Lawton (@martha_lawton_)
· Tammy Danielle Davies (@danidaviesdesigns)
· Deryn May (@derynrosecreative)
These designers aren’t waiting for change – they’re already making it happen.
Mini Masterclass: A Movement, Not Just A Talk
Co-hosted by Founder Rewati Prabhu together with our Head of Design and Specialist Textile Trainer Cordelia Blair-Stickland, our Mini Masterclass went beyond the usual presentation – it was a call to action.
We explored how upcycling and upskilling, when embedded in design education and practice, can drive social, environmental and economic impact.
From our own work at ReFAB Studio, we shared:
· Using waste as a medium to spark creative confidence
· Designing with communities, not just for them
· Building regenerative systems that strengthen local livelihoods
At its core, we posed one radical question:
What if we design not just for sustainability, but for shared, ongoing resilience?
The discussion that followed was electric – a sign of the curiosity and commitment of this next generation of design leaders.
Let’s Keep The Conversation Going
To all the students, tutors, professionals and curious minds who visited our stand, joined our talk, or simply stopped for a chat – thank you.
This is only the beginning.
If you’re a university, design institution or organisation keen to explore how upcycling, community engagement and sustainable education can shape your programmes – we’d love to hear from you.
Because this isn’t just a talk. It’s a movement.
You can reach us at: hello@refabstudio.org. We would love to hear from you!
Empowering women through textile upcycling at HMP Downview
This summer, Making for Change (London College of Fashion, UAL) and ReFAB Studio (The Kartik Foundation) came together to pilot an inspiring initiative at HMP Downview. Over three days, ten women in prison participated in creative workshops that introduced them to sustainable design practices and gave them the opportunity to transform pre-consumer interior textile remnants into one-of-a-kind tote bags.
The workshops went beyond technical training in design development, pattern cutting, and sewing. They opened up conversations about circular fashion, the value of upcycling, and the possibilities of using creativity as a tool for rehabilitation. Participants not only learned new skills, but also gained a renewed sense of confidence, purpose, and pride in what they were able to create.
Impact at a glance:
- 100% of participants enjoyed the workshops and felt well supported.
- 80% reported increased confidence working with textiles and making bags.
- All participants expressed a strong desire for the programme to continue, with more time dedicated to each session.
- Trainers observed greater motivation, positivity, and creativity across the group.
The finished bags were more than just practical products – they became symbols of resilience and imagination. For many participants, this was the first time they had designed and completed something entirely on their own, giving them a sense of achievement that can inspire future opportunities.
Not only do these workshops help divert premium textiles away from landfill, but they also create pathways to training, employability, and self-worth for women leaving prison.
By combining rehabilitation with sustainability, this pilot project highlighted how short-term, skill-based programmes can spark long-term change. Not only do they divert premium textiles away from landfill, but they also nurture confidence, creativity, and self-belief.
This is just the beginning. Both partners are now looking at ways to scale and expand the programme, so that more women can benefit from the power of creative making.