A Victorian jail in the heart of Birmingham played host to a fashion show with a twist as Birmingham City University (BCU) and West Midlands Police (WMP) celebrated the launch of a unique research project.
A Jailhouse Runway
The historic Steelhouse Lane lock-up in Birmingham recently transformed into an unconventional fashion show venue. Police officers, both current and retired, became models for the day, showcasing recreated uniforms from decades of policing history. Each piece told a story, immersing attendees in the journey of policing through time. Professor Carlo Harvey, Associate Professor and Director of Future Games and Graphics explained the vision:
“By analysing and reinterpreting these historic uniforms, we’re exploring how they shape public perceptions of authority, identity, and community history, and how these evolve over time.”
Fashion Meets Technology
Students used 3D scanning, digital pattern-making, and garment reconstruction to bring history to life. Adam Francis, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Communication at BCU, highlighted the innovative approach:
“We’re reconsidering how fashion evolves outside the traditional catwalk. By fusing this with digital technology, we’ve been able to bring history to new audiences in a fun and immersive way.”
The incorporation of 3D avatars allowed students to further understand the stories behind the uniforms, offering a creative and unique approach.
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A Win for Students
Funded by a £243,263 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Fashion Police project is also a career-launching platform for BCU students.
“Our students are gaining hands-on experience of digital heritage practices and developing strong portfolios that will appeal to employers in the creative industries,” shared Professor Harvey.
Toby Richardson, a BCU Fashion Design graduate, spent months recreating the uniforms:
“In fashion, you normally do things the quickest way. But for this project, I studied seams, pockets, fixtures, and garment types I’d never worked with before.”
The project not only honed his technical skills but also inspired his creativity, with the riot suit being a personal favourite.
Honouring Diversity in Policing
The show also paid tribute to trailblazers like PS Surjit Singh Sihota, the first turban-wearing police officer in the West Midlands. Witnessing a recreation of his uniform;
“When members of the Sikh community saw me in the force, they realised that their turban and their religion wasn’t a hindrance.”
Preserving History for the Future
This is just the beginning. A total of 24 uniforms have been recreated, and they’ll be featured in exhibitions at the West Midlands Police Museum, BCU’s Innovation Fest, and Inspired Festival next year. Local schoolchildren will also have the chance to engage with these garments through outreach programmes.
BCU’s Fashion Police project perfectly encapsulates the university’s 2030 strategy, creating knowledge that connects communities while equipping graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in their careers.
Discover more about Fashion Police, explore the historic uniforms, and view the photo gallery.