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Shining a light on the next generation of designers: Red x Arts University Plymouth
Monday, 9 June, 2025 — Discover how Arts University Plymouth students collaborated with outdoor brand Red Equipment to create a limited-edition Evo Pro Change Robe print, blending textile innovation, campaign strategy and coastal inspiration.
<p dir="ltr">Students from Arts University Plymouth have collaborated with leading outdoor adventure equipment brand Red Equipment to develop a limited-edition printed robe design for the award-winning Evo Pro Change Robe, as part of a live industry brief exploring the theme "Life's Better by the Water."</p>
<p dir="ltr">The collaboration brought together <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-textile-design">BA (Hons) Textile Design</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-design">BA (Hons) Fashion Design</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-media-marketing">BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing</a>, and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-interior-design">BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling</a> students in a cross-disciplinary project rooted in storytelling, creativity and community. Students were challenged to develop an exclusive repeat pattern inspired by water, wellbeing and coastal life, with the final design set to launch in early 2026.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Emma Gribble, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Textile Design, explained: "This was a brilliant opportunity for students across Fashion, Interiors and Textiles to respond to a real industry brief with creative freedom and purpose. Red’s theme really resonated with students. It opened up ideas about community, wellbeing and the power of design to connect with people’s lives. We saw everything from bold, expressive motifs to thoughtful, tactile surfaces rooted in personal experience. Students were asked to design a print that resonates with swimmers, capturing what 'Life's Better by the Water' means to them and our swimming communities."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Red's Lead Designer Cat Heraty joined students for a mid-project review, praising the originality and energy of the work. "Seeing how each designer interpreted the theme through their own lens — whether through pattern, colour, or storytelling — was incredibly inspiring. We're really excited by the potential of these designs."<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">The live brief also extended beyond surface pattern. Students from BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing developed campaign concepts and brand strategies to support the robe's launch, bringing together market research, creative direction and digital content planning.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Dr Kirsty Smith, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing, said: "Our students explored how a product like the Evo Pro Change Robe could connect with new audiences. One standout was Emily Gibbings’ concept for a Surf Life Saving GB collaboration, shaped by interviews with lifeguards and a TikTok strategy that really tapped into Gen Z behaviours. Caitlin Staunton-Murray proposed a colouring book robe that encouraged mindful creativity by the sea. These projects combined commercial relevance with genuine insight. The opportunity to work with Red was particularly appealing due to the brand’s strong local roots paired with its global reach."<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Charlie Green, Head of Marketing at Red, added: "This project is really exciting. Not only does it give us the opportunity to collaborate with young creatives who live and breathe design, but it also opens the door for Red to explore a completely new direction. Our robes have always been known for their technical performance and considered styling — but never before have we experimented with print. We’re now reviewing the final submissions and will be announcing the selected design in the coming months."</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Evo Pro Change Robe has already received multiple awards for its design and functionality. With a fresh print inspired by the coastlines and creativity of the South West, this collaboration marks a bold step in Red’s journey and a valuable real-world experience for Arts University Plymouth students.</p>
<p>Read the original blog by Red Equipment <a href="https://red-equipment.co.uk/blogs/sup-life/red-x-aup-student-designer-collaboration-evo-pro-change-robe">here</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">From repeat pattern design and colour theory to strategic storytelling and experiential interiors, our courses help students find their voice and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you're inspired by design that makes a difference, explore how our specialist degrees can shape your creative future:</p><h4 dir="ltr"><strong>BA (Hons) Textile Design</strong></h4>
<p dir="ltr">Explore material exploration, repeat pattern, colour and surface design in our industry-standard Fabric Studio, preparing for roles in textile and print design, trend forecasting and material innovation.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-textile-design">Discover BA (Hons) Textile Design</a><br /></p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><strong>BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing</strong></h4>
<p dir="ltr">Blend trend forecasting, campaign strategy and digital content creation. Build a career in brand storytelling, fashion marketing or creative direction with a portfolio rooted in real-world briefs.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-media-marketing">Discover BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing</a></p><h4 dir="ltr"><strong>BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling</strong></h4>
<p dir="ltr">Learn to transform spaces through materiality, ambience and styling, working with real clients on interiors, editorial shoots, events and retail concepts.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-interior-design-and-styling">Discover BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling</a></p><h4 dir="ltr"><strong>BA (Hons) Fashion Design</strong></h4>
<p dir="ltr">Turn ideas into garments with purpose. From concept to construction, you'll develop the skills and creative confidence to launch your own collections or work across design studios and product development teams.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-design">Discover BA (Hons) Fashion Design</a><br /></p>
