Salvation Army residents’ creativity celebrated at fashion exhibition

A new exhibition showcasing fashion items designed and created by residents from projects run by the Salvation Army Housing Association (Saha) and The Salvation Army is now on in central London, coinciding with London Fashion Week. 

Officially launched with the Inspiration Fashion Show last week, the exhibition includes a wide catalogue of designs, some of which have been inspired by The Salvation Army's 150th anniversary, a milestone which has been celebrated internationally by the church and charity this year. 

As part of Saha’s ‘Flourish’ programme, residents and staff from projects run by both organisations worked together to design, make, and model their own fashion items. 

Collections include outfits inspired by The Salvation Army uniform and reflect different eras of fashion across the ages. On display are a post-war inspired women’s uniform, tailored women’s business suit and grunge-influenced men’s casualwear. Also featured is a mural commemorating the 150th anniversary, created by two residents at Newhaven Foyer.

Fashion items, artworks, and films were created by residents from five centres across the country - Doncaster Foyer, Braintree Foyer, Roseberry Project, Newhaven Foyer and Hazelwood Court, run by Saha and The Salvation Army. 

Nigel Parrington, Chief Executive of Saha, said: 'The Flourish programme is about developing the potential for creativity in all of us, celebrating that there is value in everyone and embracing the unique talents that we all possess.'

General Andre Cox, the international leader of The Salvation Army, who presented one of three awards at last week’s showcase, said: 'This evening and this exhibition are reminders that each life counts and that each life can be an inspiration.'

The free exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, September 19 until Saturday, November 14 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm). 

The exhibition is housed at Gallery 101, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH.