Circularity Masterclass

The Circularity Masterclass is a five-part educational platform that 11 European and UK fashion schools, including the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design, Marangoni Fashion Institute in Milan, Manchester Fashion Institute, Leeds Arts University, BSP Berlin, IED Barcelona, and others are undertaking between September 2025 and March 2026. For the first time, the Circularity Masterclass will also be made available to the GFF’s 30 UK member universities in order to expand its reach and impact.

The masterclass is designed to inspire the next generation of designers to create products and concepts that align with a circular economy.This five-part online programme takes students through every stage of circularity, from the fundamentals of the linear and circular fashion systems to materials, processes, design thinking, end-of-life stages, and more.

During the Masterclass, students will learn about materials, construction, design for circularity, garment end-of-life, waste streams and more. The project culminates in a design competition for students to showcase their understanding of circular design theory.

One student from each university will be chosen as their school’s winner and will receive a trip to London in June 2026 to attend and participate in Graduate Fashion Week 2026. The shortlisted winners will present their winning submission to a panel of industry judges who will find an overall Circularity Masterclass winner for 2025/26. The overall winner will receive a 1-1 mentorship session with a renowned circular fashion designer.

The content for the Circularity Masterclass was created by Rob Jones and Catherine Teatum from the British brand Teatum Jones, who are circular fashion practitioners and educators, alongside sustainable fashion journalist and consultant Megan Doyle.

With case studies, quizzes, audio interviews with circular fashion experts, and additional resources, students are provided with a well-rounded foundational understanding of designing for circularity.

14 students will win a trip to London for GFW26 to participate in a judging session where they will present their submission to an industry judging panel. 11 of these students will be from partner universities and 3 from member universities. This includes a £400 travel voucher and accommodation for one night in London. The overall winner will receive a trophy and a 1-to-1 mentorship session from a circular fashion designer.