A striking blend of fashion innovation and culinary culture captivated audiences at Charing Cross Underground Station this week, where an exclusive catwalk unveiled cheese-inspired designs that celebrated the artistry and heritage of French cheese.
The event was delivered by CNIEL (the French Dairy Interbranch Organisation), with support from the European Union, in collaboration with University of the Arts London (UAL). The runway showcased 15 outfits featuring 18 individual creations developed by Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students specialising in 3D Design.
Aimed at introducing French cheese to new audiences through imaginative and surprising visual storytelling, the showcase demonstrated how food and fashion can inspire one another in contemporary culture.
The designs ranged from architectural garments to avant-garde jewellery and conceptual objects, each exploring craftsmanship, tradition, materiality and aesthetic experimentation.
More than 200 guests attended and were particularly impressed by standout pieces including Some Cheeses Really Grow On You by Daphne Chen (17) and Edie Humphreys (18), noted for its thoughtful and playful interpretation.
Inspired by Tomme de Savoie, Daphne’s design reimagined the cheese’s mottled rind through layers of soft yarn and transparent tulle, highlighting the beauty found in natural variation.
The wider project invited 125 students to propose designs, with 18 final works chosen for presentation. The judging panel selecting the winning look included Franco-British comedian and style enthusiast Tatty Macleod, TikTok sensation Sabrina Bahsoon (known as Tube Girl), UAL representatives Jo Simpson and Oonagh O’Hagan, and a representative from CNIEL.
Tatty Macleod said: “Fashion inspired from Fourme d’Ambert is the most ludicrously, brilliantly, eccentric thing I’ve ever heard of. It’s totally British and utterly French at the same time. It’s a combination of my two great loves – Camembert and Fashion (not a phrase I ever thought I’d say). I’m excited to see how the smell, the texture and the taste – the full sensory experience – of French cheese can be translated into something wearable and possibly even beautiful. I love that we’re encouraging young designers to open up their field of imagination, to work across borders and encouraging them to find their inspiration in the most fantastical places. I can’t wait to discover the next Alexander McComté and Stella MacCantal.”
Nicola Fitchett, Co-Curriculum Leader for 3D Design, UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, said: “Our students always bring their imagination and creativity to any brief, and this has been no exception. Each student has taken the starting point and gone in their own direction creating cheese-inspired proposals that are beautiful, joyful and highly inventive. We’re incredibly proud to present this series of pieces in this extraordinary show that demonstrates the skills and creativity of an emerging generation of 3D designers.”
Marie-Laure Martin, International Communications Director at CNIEL, said: “It has been mesmerising to see how the students have taken cues from each of the cheese’s unique texture, appearance and heritage to bring to life such breathtaking creations. There are many parallels in the craftmanship of cheese making and the dedication that goes into creating fashion and this was clear to see on the runway today. What a fantastic way to bring these cheeses to life in a new and imaginative way – hopefully encouraging more people to seek out the selection of French cheeses on display.”
For more information about cheese please visit dairy-products-from-france.com/cheese.
