It’s Called Ffasiwn

In 2015 we were approached by a local stylist, Charlotte James, who was interested in creating a photo shoot and fashion outfits with young people from the area. The youth team asked the young people who might be interested and a group of girls aged 10-13, some more confident than others, were curious about the project. The youth team ran a series of workshops where young people learned sewing skills, painted scenery, and tried out equipment. They worked with the stylist to make their costumes, using a multitude of materials to get creative. We were joined by a student photographer, Clementine Schneidermann. The young people suggested local places for her photo shoots and the youth team took them all over Merthyr Tydfil and in the countryside. Clementine took some incredible photos of the girls who grew in confidence and ability. The resulting photographs have reached a worldwide audience with articles in Vogue and on the BBC. The girls were interviewed by the Guardian and attended a premier of the photographic exhibition at the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol where their photos were displayed. One of the young people had the opportunity to model in London for a Chanel shoot and has been contacted for further modelling opportunities.