Dress.The.Nation.2024.S01E03
Dress.The.Nation.2024.S01E03
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00:00Turn down for what?
00:07Dress the Nation. Brought to you by M&S.
00:10Britain's best amateur designers are undertaking the biggest job interview of their lives.
00:19Competing to become a fashion designer at Britain's most loved fashion retailer, Marks & Spencer.
00:27Go.
00:28This week it's kids wear.
00:30Look how little the mannequin is.
00:32It's going to be cute.
00:34The most intense job interview of your life.
00:39Right, let's do this.
00:40Our designers will be under the watchful eye of the Marks & Spencer experts.
00:46We're looking for a designer that is really creative.
00:49They've got a sense of fun, a desire to search out new trends
00:53and they really need to understand the parents' mindset but also the kids'.
00:58And this week's guest expert, Borg Williams.
01:01He really hit the brief.
01:03Looks really gorgeous.
01:05Getting there.
01:06It's a bit of a health and safety nightmare.
01:09So sick.
01:12Seven hopefuls remain.
01:15All competing for the dream job to dress the nation.
01:27Designers, it's week three of the most intense but exciting job interview of your lives.
01:34One of you could become an actual designer for Marks & Spencer.
01:39I mean, your dreams could literally become a reality.
01:44So this week you are going to be designing for the trickiest customers.
01:49Not me, not Vernon.
01:51Kids.
01:54Let's welcome director of kids' wear for Marks & Spencer, Alex Dimitriou.
01:58Hi, Alex.
01:59Thank you, Darren.
02:01And of course, someone who's going to make sure that you stay on brand.
02:05The marketing director for clothing, Anna Braithwaite.
02:09Last but not least is our special guest expert.
02:13She's a presenter, a DJ, a mum of three, and her name screams fashion.
02:19Strike a pose.
02:20It's Borg Williams.
02:23Hello.
02:25Hi.
02:26Good to see you.
02:27Now, you've launched your own kids' wear collection, so you really know your stuff, right?
02:32I am so obsessed with kids' clothes.
02:34I love dressing my own kids.
02:36I have two boys and a girl, and I'm very excited to see what you're going to do.
02:40So why don't you tell them all about today's statement piece challenge?
02:45OK, so you need to design and create a party wear outfit for a nine to ten-year-old.
02:51There's a few ground rules when you're designing kids' wear that are kind of non-negotiable.
02:56So things like safety and comfort and wearability, really important.
03:03But actually for today's challenge, because it is party wear,
03:06I want to see some really trend-forward pieces today.
03:09All right, designers, are you ready?
03:12Your time starts...
03:17No!
03:20We're going to have fun today.
03:22Look how little the mannequin is.
03:25With their pre-prepared ideas, in just four hours,
03:29the designers need to produce a party outfit that represents their personal style
03:34while appealing to nine to ten-year-olds.
03:37I'm nervous for kids' wear. I've never done kids' wear before.
03:40Panicking. Panicking.
03:43We're looking forward to the interpretation of this one,
03:45because none of our designers have kids.
03:48No.
03:49It's a really difficult challenge.
03:51You think you know what kids like, but then obviously you're thinking about when you were a kid,
03:54and you've got different reference points.
03:57As well as showing off their personal style,
04:00they also need to demonstrate an understanding of the key design elements essential to kids' wear.
04:06Comfort is probably the most important thing, so it might look fantastic,
04:10but if it's all stiff and scratchy, no-one's going to want to wear it.
04:13Like, wear is like anything a child would actually want to wear.
04:17Dressing a nine or ten-year-old is tough work.
04:20It has to be age-appropriate.
04:21Is this giving you, like, dominatrix vibes?
04:24I wouldn't...
04:26Don't go too close to dress-up.
04:28Don't go too young.
04:30It's got to be stylish rather than cutesy.
04:32Kids are tough. I'm scared.
04:34And then the other thing that's fundamental to kids' wear is around safety.
04:38So making sure there's no things dangling off.
04:41That's a huge responsibility.
04:42It's a big responsibility.
04:47Walked in, saw it, that was the colour.
04:49Go. No time to waste.
04:51So I'm doing a denim set for a child.
04:53I love denim. I use denim all the time.
04:55My inspiration comes from moi, me.
04:59Showing off his own personal streetwear style,
05:02David is designing a kid's co-op jacket and trousers.
05:05His aim is to be super practical with plenty of pockets
05:08and a slouchy design to give room to move.
05:11But is there enough occasion in his occasion wear?
05:15Quite a relaxed vibe.
05:16Yeah, yeah, cos you're going to, like, a Pokemon party,
05:18you know, like, the boys are going to, like, Pokemon parties
05:20and they have, like, a karate party,
05:22but then they all go to, like, jungle gym or something.
05:24I see where you're going.
05:25And it's got a bit street vibes going on as well.
05:27Oh, yeah, definitely, yeah. It's got to be cool.
05:29A trim going down the side. I want some colour in it.
05:31What kind of a trim?
05:32A red with a white strap going down the middle.
05:34I think that's good thinking,
05:35otherwise there's a danger that it can just look
05:37a little bit too uniform, a bit intimidating.
05:39Yeah, yeah, yeah.
05:40So adding a bit of flair, I think,
05:42even though it's denim, is giving it an occasion feel.
05:46When I first saw it on paper, I thought,
05:48well, where's the party in that?
05:50It's not a typical partywear solution,
05:53but David, more than anybody,
05:55has brought his personal style into all of the designs.
05:58And I like that stripe going to the side.
06:00I do. It's a bit of a sport.
06:02Yeah, street vibe to it, yeah.
06:06I've definitely designed my outfit
06:08based on what I wanted as a child.
06:10I'm going to make a mini Katie today.
06:12Known for her feminine style,
06:14Katie is designing a frilly co-ord top and skirt,
06:17but will her design be too young
06:19to hit the briefer beam for a nine- to ten-year-old?
06:22You know the frilly socks you wear as a kid?
06:24Yeah, yeah, yeah.
06:25Yes, it's inspired by them, so the little frilly socks.
06:27Oh, I love them.
06:28And it's going to be roughly...
06:29It's going to be a co-ord, cos I think as a parent,
06:31you want more mix and match and future.
06:33You see, my daughter Gigi would absolutely love that.
06:38That's one hour gone!
06:41That is so frilly.
06:42Wow.
06:43Oh, my God, that's so cute.
06:44Oh, my God, babe.
06:46I would wear it.
06:47Like David and Katie,
06:50Dalen is also creating a mini-me.
06:52I definitely think this shirt is an echo of what I'm wearing today.
06:57Dalen is designing a two-piece formal outfit,
07:00a floaty shirt with bold detail,
07:02paired with tux-style trousers.
07:05But is a vintage shirt with a satin-stripe trouser
07:08really an outfit nine- to ten-year-olds want to wear at a party?
07:15The little gamey is so obsessed.
07:17That is so cute.
07:19I actually can't even imagine you being small.
07:22Well, I didn't start... Did you just shoot up?
07:24Yeah, from 17 and a half to 18.
07:26Yeah, I just went...
07:28Because I had a calcium deficiency,
07:30so I was constantly being fed milk.
07:32That is mad, isn't it?
07:33Yeah, it's crazy.
07:34That and my dad was a giraffe.
07:40You had me there.
07:42You had me.
07:44My nine- to ten-year-old would be wearing this outfit
07:47to Buckingham Palace.
07:49I'm not going to lie.
07:51Setting her sights high,
07:5345-year-old Maria wants to show she's the person for the job
07:56by taking on board the previous comments from the experts.
08:00Do you think this is a concept that we, as M&S,
08:03would want to be associated with?
08:05I mean, it does sound old-fashioned.
08:07The only thing for me, it feels a little bit dated.
08:10The feedback for me has been, you know,
08:12how do you create that kind of vintage look in a modern way?
08:16So I really want to try and bring that to this challenge this week.
08:19Despite her best intentions,
08:21Maria is designing a vintage-style A-line dress
08:24adorned with balls and buttons accompanied by thigh-high socks.
08:28I really wanted to go for a really scarlet-red velvet,
08:32but it didn't have that modern-day spin,
08:34so instead I've gone for denim to modernise it a bit more.
08:38But despite the changes, is it too mature for today's brief?
08:43I'd be a bit concerned about the high socks.
08:47They look a bit saucy.
08:49They do, but I'd love that, wouldn't you?
08:52It's a fine balance, isn't it, of getting that what is age-appropriate
08:56but still pushing the boundaries of fashion and style,
08:59and individuality, so I can kind of see
09:01that you're trying to find that right balance.
09:04Yeah, very interested to see how that turns out.
09:09I mean, I think it's a serious dress.
09:11Although it's grown-up, I think it's more grown-up but fun.
09:14I'm really worried about the knee-high socks.
09:17And it might even be too sexy for me.
09:20I know.
09:42Dress For Nation, brought to you by M&S.
09:50Our seven remaining designers
09:52are almost halfway through their statement pieces.
09:55It's a beautiful day to be alive.
09:58Creating party-wear outfits for nine- to ten-year-olds.
10:02They need to be comfortable, safe and age-appropriate.
10:07OK.
10:08Why is it so quiet?
10:11Jesus, that's loud.
10:15Go, Bob the Builder.
10:17All right, everybody, that is your halfway call.
10:20You are halfway through the challenge.
10:23Having mulled over Vogue's comments
10:25about the mature nature of her outfit...
10:27I've ditched the knee-high socks.
10:30..Maria has decided to alter her design.
10:32I think that's a real key thing for designers.
10:35We tend to create something in our heads
10:38and then I think it's important for us
10:40to step back throughout the process
10:42and look at what's kind of, like, commercially viable.
10:45That's why I like to edit as I go along.
10:47I like to have the overall concept and then I add, subtract
10:50and then at the end I hopefully have, like, the finished look
10:53that's a good balance of style and function.
10:59I'm just blown away by how different
11:01every single design has gone.
11:03Like, you couldn't make it more varied
11:05in terms of size, shape, colour palette.
11:07Very exciting, this one.
11:09Oh, I love it so much. It's so Sandeep. Thank you.
11:12It is really like Mini-You.
11:14Aw.
11:15I'm the sort of person who thrives on praise.
11:18Fabric shop owner Sandeep struggled in week one
11:21and almost faced an early exit.
11:24This, to me, just looks a little bit sad.
11:27Oh, I don't want you to cry cos I love what you're wearing.
11:30But is gaining confidence following a lingerie win last week?
11:34Because I work alone, I don't really have someone
11:37to be my cheerleader, so when I get good feedback,
11:41it really, like, sticks to me like glue.
11:43My dress is inspired by my childhood pinafores.
11:46It's a kind of modern adaptation of it.
11:49With all my nieces at various ages,
11:52I like clothes that can be passed down.
11:55Sandeep is designing a pinafore dress with room to grow.
11:58It has an elasticated waist and straps tied in a bow at the back
12:02in a complementary colour.
12:04I love that you're picking up on hand-me-downable.
12:07We have these lovely little labels in the back of our kids' wear
12:10when I'm back to school and it has room for three names.
12:13Yeah. So just cross the name out and pass them on.
12:15So I love that you've picked up on that.
12:17You seem like you've got loads of confidence back.
12:19I have. Like, the joy is just, like, within me
12:21and I hope I can carry it on through the rest of the challenge.
12:26Designers, you've got one hour left!
12:30Ah, no, no, no.
12:33With safety being a primary concern for kids' wear,
12:36Sandeep's confidence may have been premature.
12:39My dress ties up at the back.
12:42I'm not sure how safe that is.
12:44If a child is at, like, a playground or somewhere,
12:47you don't want to get caught on the back.
12:49I'll try and create a way for the kids to be safe.
12:52You can't have it opening and closing,
12:54so if it's a fixed decorative bow, that's fine,
12:57but anything that then unties to be a long piece of fabric
13:01is going to be an entrapment.
13:03With the experts' brief in mind,
13:05Sandeep is keen to find a sole for the safety of her pinafore.
13:09How are you getting on, Sandeep?
13:11Mild panic. Why?
13:13I just want to make sure that I'm not endangering anyone.
13:17Paul, meanwhile, is focusing more on the fun part of the brief.
13:20This week, I'm going to pull out some ruffles, some hyper-fun things.
13:25Four groups of three, done. It's getting miffy.
13:28I'm bringing drama to this one,
13:30and I think I'm really going to show, like, a different side of me.
13:33Oh, she's pretty.
13:35Paul is stepping into new territory
13:38with his expressions and facial expressions.
13:41I think I'm going to pull out some ruffles.
13:44Paul is stepping into new territory with his expressive party piece.
13:47He's designed an airline dress covered in ruffles
13:50made from a sheer fabric,
13:52and it's inspired by his nine-year-old niece.
13:55She is a hyper-girly pop princess.
13:58I asked her what she would like,
14:00and for her, it's all about playfulness and being able to move.
14:04She loves to run about and be crazy,
14:06so as long as it's soft on the inside, playful,
14:09and she stands out in a crowd.
14:11There's going to be rows and rows and rows of this,
14:13and it's going to be tacked on.
14:15But will all this excess material pass the Marks and Spencer safety test,
14:19and is it suitable for the 9-to-10 age range?
14:22I am chaos personified.
14:24This is just me in a nutshell.
14:26But I quite like working this way.
14:28I feel like it feels more fluid and more fun.
14:30I mean, kids are messy. She's getting there.
14:33So I'm just having fun. I feel like I'm finger-painting.
14:35Wow! Your niece.
14:37She's going to have the time of her life in this outfit.
14:40I'm having the time of my life. I love it. I'm obsessed.
14:42My niece, we made a pact that when I got home,
14:44I was going to teach her how to make Barbie clothes for her little Barbies.
14:47Oh, my God! That is so cute!
14:51So, what do we think of Paul's outfit here?
14:54My daughter would love it. Would she?
14:56She's four.
15:00Hello, Brian. Are you all right? I'm good.
15:02Well, this looks cute. Thanks.
15:04What were you like as a kid? I was really, really naughty, actually.
15:07Were you? Yeah. You don't strike me as a naughty kid.
15:10I was a lot, but, you know, like, you have six-weeks holidays.
15:13I was grounded for the entire six weeks. Like, really bad.
15:16And now you're an angel.
15:19I found the perfect pink cotton,
15:21and it also, cos it's a statement challenge,
15:23something very colourful, which I normally wouldn't do.
15:25Just, like, a little, like, inner gay child.
15:27After narrowly avoiding going home in last week's lingerie challenge...
15:31It's really simple.
15:33Perhaps you could have pushed the boundaries a little bit further.
15:36Brian has designed a layered dress
15:38with gathered detail around the neckline.
15:40He'll add party to his party wear with floated expressive sleeves.
15:45So the design is fun and comfortable,
15:47and that's hopefully what I'm going to execute today with this,
15:50and I hope the judges can see that.
15:56I'm just adding the other tier now, and it'll just make it more slender.
15:59Sounds like you know exactly what you're doing.
16:02I do.
16:04But is Ryan's slender design going to be a comfortable fit for a child?
16:10Moving on to the sleeves. I love the colour.
16:12I think it's really fun and vibrant.
16:14The sleeves, it's an ombre, rainbow kind of effect.
16:18I don't know if the whole combination of that with the pink
16:20is going to be too sugary sweet.
16:22I think even that colour pink is quite young.
16:24It is.
16:25My daughters wouldn't wear that at nine or ten.
16:31She's so sweet.
16:32It does look good. It does look really good.
16:35After tying herself in knots,
16:37Sandeep is finally happy with the safety of her design.
16:41I've decided that they can just be knotted.
16:43Tying on the shoulder just feels cute,
16:45so now it's a little bit more safe.
16:47Designers, you've got 30 minutes left!
16:51Move faster!
16:53Ooh, she's getting there.
16:55Quick!
16:58But, yeah, she's almost ready for Buckingham Palace.
17:00Hopefully the judges can see my own kind of personal aesthetic in it
17:04and that will go in my favour.
17:08If they don't, I might cry.
17:12I love them. They even have little pockets.
17:15Dylan, that actually looks like you've birthed that child.
17:18It's so cute.
17:19I love that everyone's done their own children.
17:23Not exactly what I wanted. Arms are too long.
17:27You've got five minutes left!
17:30You can put a collar on in five minutes.
17:32Can someone help me dress?
17:33Yep, yep, yep.
17:37I wish the top, Phil, was frillier. It's a bit flat.
17:39You were right, that's not your dress.
17:41Shh!
17:43Who's here, there, Sandeep?
17:45It's good to neaten it up, man.
17:47Oh, my God, I love it!
17:51Crushed it.
17:52Who needs help dressing?
17:54Ryan, do you need help?
17:55Yeah, chill, I've got the family to handle.
17:57Leave it now, get up.
17:58One minute left!
17:59There we go.
18:00Thank you, Sandeep.
18:01My buttons are all wonky, I've just looked at them.
18:05I love it.
18:07I'm happy with that.
18:09Five, four, three, two, one!
18:14Designers, your time's up!
18:16Step away from your mannequins!
18:20It's literally you as a kid.
18:23I'm not too sure what a judge will make of my design.
18:25I just hope I've done enough to make them feel,
18:27OK, he knows what he's doing in construction and in the fabrics
18:30and, like, the story behind it.
18:32I looked around the room, it's like, oh, my God,
18:34I think I might be in the top.
18:35So I'm, like, so happy.
18:37I think mine's a stand-out piece.
18:39Don't touch it, don't touch it.
18:41It's literally going to fall apart.
18:44I feel really proud that I've actually achieved
18:47a children's outfit.
18:49I haven't seen anything like that in Marks & Spencers before.
18:53The designers' kidswear party outfits are ready for inspection.
18:59Will they have shorn off their personal style
19:01and potential as a future designer for Marks & Spencer?
19:06It's time to find out what the experts think
19:08of these statement piece designs.
19:11I think this is great.
19:13As soon as you put that stripe on it,
19:15it just really elevated the whole look.
19:17On the line-up, you absolutely knew this was going to be your garment.
19:20I think it's super cool for a ten-year-old to wear.
19:22I absolutely love it.
19:25So glad that you walked away from your original design,
19:28because I think it would have looked too grown-up.
19:30I think the contrast of the casual utility denim
19:34with the velvet and then the high shine of the gold buttons
19:37is a brilliant combination,
19:39because it just gives it that sort of fashion edge.
19:43So, the experts want to see the designers' personal style
19:46coming through, but the outfits don't seem to be
19:49But the outfits must still hit the brief of being suitable
19:52for children aged nine to ten.
19:55I want those trousers in my size.
19:58I love those trousers so much.
20:01You've got that slight evening look,
20:03but it's more to the adult side than I think would be practical.
20:07My daughter Gigi would love to wear something like that,
20:09but she's four.
20:11And importantly, these party pieces must have a sense of occasion.
20:15It's a little bit of a summer beach vibe.
20:17So could you have added some more frills or textures
20:21or ruffles to it, something to make it stand out a little bit more?
20:26With all that in mind, will Paul and Ryan have hit the mark?
20:30Definitely a statement.
20:32Slightly too young again for the nine-, ten-year-old brief.
20:36It's almost got a bit of a dress-up vibe.
20:38I can just imagine little girls absolutely getting lost in this.
20:41You've definitely delivered, I think, what was your vision.
20:45The problem I have with it is it is just too much fabric.
20:49It is a bit of a health and safety nightmare.
20:55The bit that I struggle with is the bottom half.
20:58So I think it feels like it would be quite restrictive.
21:01So I would say if you lose the bottom half and leave it as an open shift,
21:05it might be an easier silhouette.
21:07I agree a lot with you, Alex.
21:09I think that the top half is so gorgeous
21:11that I wish the bottom half was just a bit more simple.
21:14OK, great. Thank you.
21:18All right, designers, you've heard what the experts think.
21:21Now it's time to find out where you've been placed
21:24in the statement piece challenge.
21:28In reverse order, the designer in last place is...
21:39..Ryan.
21:41In sixth place is Paul.
21:44In fifth place is Katie.
21:46In fourth place, Daylan.
21:49That leaves us with our top three designers.
21:52When I call out your name, please step forward.
21:56In third place is...
22:05..Sandy.
22:10Well done, Sandy.
22:12Sandy, your garment was so well-constructed
22:15and really nicely put together,
22:17but we did feel like it was more casual than occasion went.
22:20OK, thank you.
22:22In second place, it's...
22:26..David.
22:31Super cool. Your signature style once again.
22:34I'm pretty sure any nine- or ten-year-old would love to wear it.
22:37So, welcome. Thank you.
22:39So, that means, in first place,
22:41and the winner of the statement piece challenge is...
22:45..Maria!
22:46Yeah! Come on up!
22:52Thank you so much.
22:53The winning combination of the casual fabric
22:56with then the glam elements of the velvet and the gold
22:59really made it a modern, contemporary take on occasion wear
23:03for that age group, so well done.
23:06I feel amazing.
23:08The last few challenges damaged my confidence a little bit.
23:11It really made me question, like, where do I fit into the fashion world?
23:15So, I really feel like that was the validation that I needed.
23:20Coming up on Dress The Nation...
23:22..the designers' biggest challenge...
23:24The pink's got to go.
23:25I won't get rid of all the pink.
23:27I don't want to be one of those, like, mindless idiots
23:29that doesn't listen to what people say.
23:32..and their smallest critics...
23:34Aw! Thank you so much.
23:37SHE GIGGLES
23:38Aw!
24:08Welcome back to Dress The Nation,
24:11where our seven remaining designers
24:13are proving their prowess in kids' wear.
24:16As top three in the statement piece challenge,
24:19Maria, David and Sandeep are now team leaders
24:23and get to pick their teams for the upcoming collection challenge.
24:27So, I'm going to choose Ryan.
24:32Katie.
24:33Katie.
24:37Paul.
24:41Dylan, that means you are joining Maria.
24:46OK, design teams, it's time to find out about your collection challenge.
24:51Vogue, take it away.
24:53OK, in your teams, you have to create a gender-neutral,
24:57casual outfit for a five- to six-year-old.
25:01Don't forget, the person actually purchasing this product is the parent,
25:05so it is really important to strike the balance between fun and style.
25:11Our kids' wear products are sustainable, hand-me-downable
25:15and really, really durable.
25:17And one final little point is around the accessibility of kids' clothing,
25:21so there's just a couple of considerations there for you.
25:24As ever, your designs will be inspected by the customers,
25:27and as it's kids' wear week, watch out for a few little scamps.
25:32While they're lacking height, they make up for in opinion,
25:36so you've been warned.
25:39You'll have a total of five hours to bring your kids' wear collection to life
25:43and your time starts now!
25:51The collections challenge, it is on.
25:53I know that you're really excited about this, Vogue.
25:56Why?
25:57This one's right up my street because you've got five- to six-year-olds,
26:00that's my kids' age range.
26:02It's gender-neutral, it's casual.
26:04I would like to go more down your streetwear style.
26:07I think that also brings more gender-neutral into it.
26:10Yeah, yeah.
26:11I feel like we should do a top and bottom short set
26:14to show them our technical skills as well.
26:16I'm going to make our own fabric.
26:18David and Katie's two-piece set will have a drip motif sewn onto the sweater
26:22and will also include a reversible bucket hat.
26:25But before they can construct any items, they're making the material themselves.
26:31I'm just going to cut loads of ten-by-ten squares out
26:35and then I'm going to have to sew all of those alternate colours together in one line
26:40until we have enough fabric to then make a whole piece together.
26:44With such a time-consuming process ahead of them,
26:46they may run out of time to actually make their items.
26:51I could do a cargo trouser or I could do jeans.
26:54Jeans, can I make jeans?
26:55Yeah.
26:56Will they be gender-neutral?
26:57Yeah.
27:00So if you did, like, a neon yellow jumper,
27:05I think that's, like, quite bold.
27:07It's an Instagram book.
27:08I've never made, like, a sweatshirt before.
27:10Would you rather do a coat or a jacket?
27:13I mean, I can do them.
27:16I think the big thing for me here, I want to see people working together in a team.
27:20This is the third time they've done a group challenge
27:23so they know that it's got to be cohesive, they've got to work together.
27:27I'm sensing that you're not feeling, like, excited and comfortable,
27:32so what would you rather make?
27:35I lead teams in my day job, so being a team lead,
27:38I'm really happy because I love helping people to succeed.
27:43I can, of course, do something for the top, like a shirt.
27:46What about a pinstripe shirt?
27:48Very, like, eaten.
27:49That would be...
27:50You know, eaten shirts.
27:51Fun. Like, kids love a pinstripe.
27:54Yeah.
27:55Team Maria have designed jeans with a matching reversible quilted jacket,
28:00as well as a formal pinstripe shirt with a granddad colour.
28:04Fun.
28:05Yeah, I think the kids are really going to resonate with it.
28:07Yeah.
28:08Team Sandeep are focusing their design on the accessibility element of the brief.
28:13So I feel like autism and ADHD would be really, really, like, close to my heart.
28:18I suffer from ADHD.
28:19I had, like, a horrible time with clothing when I was a child,
28:22so it's really important to me that I bring this in this challenge.
28:25I think, for me, it's, like, my accessibility needs are,
28:28I have to have flat seams, cos seams, when seams rub on me,
28:31like, it's a sensory thing.
28:33So, in terms of theme, I'm thinking space.
28:35Oh, I see.
28:36Like, with your ADHD, sometimes you feel like you need that space,
28:39sometimes you just want to be so far away that you're literally, like,
28:42in outer space. Yeah.
28:44Team Sandeep have designed a highly technical sensory-focused outfit.
28:49Sandeep will make dungarees with a special fiddle pocket,
28:52and Paul is making a seam-free reversible hoodie and bucket hat.
28:58I love these two together.
28:59You sure? Yes.
29:00I trust Sandeep with my life, I trust her with fabric.
29:02She's the fabric queen, so she really got what I wanted to achieve
29:06and she embodied it in her garment, so I'm happy with it, yeah.
29:09So I was thinking pink.
29:10With the gender-neutral challenge brief on their minds,
29:13Team Maria are choosing the fabric for their reversible jacket.
29:16It depends on how liberal the parents are.
29:18If they're conservative parents, they're not going to put their kid in pink.
29:21Modern-day parents, like, if you look at Vogue,
29:23like, I think Vogue would put her son in this.
29:26I don't think she'd think, oh, he can't wear pink.
29:30So Maria's team have decided on a quilted reversible denim and pink jacket,
29:34which will be paired with jeans and a pinstripe shirt.
29:37But will their design meet the brief to be gender-neutral?
29:42I like the denim.
29:43The inside, because it's reversible, that's a full pink jacket.
29:48I could get my son into a hint of pink, I think.
29:50I don't know if he would do a full pink.
29:53Did you discuss that and how gender-neutral you wanted to go?
29:57Initially, we were talking about, oh, is the pink too far?
30:00But then I think we, or I, decided that I felt that mums and dads would pick a pink.
30:06I'm not even going to comment. I want you to make the decision.
30:08Well, we know you love pink. I love pink.
30:11I can't wait to see what you do.
30:12Good luck with everything. See you later.
30:14Cheers.
30:15The pink's got to go.
30:18I won't get rid of all the pink, because I want there to be a bright colour in there.
30:25I need to listen to this, because I want to know what's happening here.
30:28Yeah, I think until all of the pink is together, it's difficult to picture it.
30:36I'm just a very visual person, and until I see it, I don't know whether it's too much.
30:43I can't hear them.
30:44No.
30:46I think it's one of those, once it's done, we'll see what's happened.
30:49Yeah.
30:50I think we need to make the right decision, because, obviously, I'm trying to prove myself in this.
30:56With the jury out on whether Maria's pink can still hit the gender-neutral brief,
31:01David is more confident that his homemade fabric is what the experts are after.
31:06They say pink's for girls, blue's for boys, so we're trying to find colours that don't really go with...
31:11We're using baby blue, but we've also done it down with petrol grey,
31:16and then we're using a honey, golden colour, so it's just a totally neutral thing.
31:22Team David's checkerboard, short and sweater combo will have a drip motif over the shoulders
31:27in a honey colour chosen by David.
31:29David, you don't think we should have done a more fun colour for the drip?
31:32What's wrong with it?
31:33It looks like some weird, like, dire hair colour.
31:36Do you know whether we should just find another one of them, but in a bright colour?
31:40Yeah, go take a look.
31:41I like to collaborate with people, like, just work together, rather than me go, do this and do that.
31:45The only other colour they've got is this red.
31:47Well, let's see, let's see.
31:49We will try and figure out how to find the middle ground and make it work for both of us.
31:54I like it.
31:55Yeah, let's do it.
31:56I like it.
31:57Yeah, let's do it.
31:58It's going on your jumper that you've got to take ownership of.
32:00I'll take ownership of it then, let's go.
32:01You promise?
32:02Yeah, let's go.
32:03Ah, I'm scared!
32:05While Katie waits for David to finish the checkerboard fabric...
32:08It's not the full bucket hat?
32:09She's making a hat to go with their outfit.
32:13Aww.
32:17It's not sewn yet, but sorry, it's going to be cute.
32:20Yeah, it's going to work.
32:23It's so sick.
32:26They're going to love that.
32:29Voila.
32:30And then, like, the lines match up as well.
32:32Oh, come on!
32:35We've got David and we've got Katie.
32:37So they're sewing together squares and then making that into the overall fabric?
32:42Yeah.
32:43But how that's going to be constructed into a garment, I don't know, I'm yet to see.
32:47I am cutting out the drip effect that we're going to stitch onto the front of the jumper.
32:52It's a good colour choice.
32:53I'm glad we changed the colour.
32:55The only concern for me is...
32:57I'm hoping it's not going to look like blood dripping down from his neck.
33:00Like vampire look.
33:01Oh, it's so cute.
33:04Look how teeny it is.
33:06That's so nice.
33:07Oh, I'm excited for this.
33:09Me and Paul have come up with a very cool concept and a very cute outfit.
33:12It's got a little hidden pocket.
33:15So I have a lot of faith in us to be able to pull it off.
33:18Oh, wow.
33:20I really love the lining of it.
33:21Like, it's just the perfect touch.
33:25Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
33:27Yes, Sandeep.
33:28Come on.
33:30Got Sandeep and Paul, polar opposites in terms of their skills and their inspiration, really.
33:37Oh, my God, it looks so good.
33:39Ta-da.
33:40Snaps, well done.
33:42I think that they came up with a joint concept that played to both their strengths.
33:46Oh, my God, that is like the winning product.
33:49£10 million sold in M&S in two days.
33:53I'm hoping it's well received.
33:55You never know, I don't want to run my mace again and be in the bottom.
33:59Having come second to last in the statement piece challenge,
34:02Paul now needs to prove himself to stay in the running for the job.
34:06Come on, ADHD.
34:08Paul's got his heart in this, hasn't he?
34:11I think he knows that he's a bit on the line.
34:13Oh, God, that is stunning.
34:15Oh, my God, I'm so proud of you.
34:18Oh, my God, it's just perfect.
34:21Just need to do some alterations on the cuff and the bottom.
34:26All right, everybody, that is your halfway call.
34:29You are halfway through the challenge.
34:32Maria has now constructed all the parts of her quilted jacket,
34:36with pink on one side and denim on the other.
34:39But Vogue's colour comments are ringing in her ears.
34:43I'm ditching the pink.
34:45Let's be realistic about what the judges have said.
34:48It's just going to be all denim.
34:52So Maria's design now consists of a reversible jacket
34:56with denim on one side and denim on the other.
34:59On one side will be quilted, the other side will just be flat denim.
35:03So it is reversible, but it's quilt on flat.
35:08We'll just stop saying reversible.
35:10Yeah, and just be like, it's a jacket.
35:12Maria's team over here.
35:14Changing your mind halfway through,
35:16that is not filling me with confidence.
35:18I don't want to be one of those mindless idiots
35:20that doesn't listen to what people say,
35:22and then just carry on regardless.
35:25If you're the team leader,
35:26you have to have the courage and the convictions on that design,
35:29and then that design team are following you.
35:31If you're showing that you're not sure what the customer wants,
35:34I think there are red flags there.
35:36Yeah, I agree.
35:37It's product development.
35:39Steve Jobs didn't get it right first time,
35:41so why would we?
36:12Welcome back to Dress The Nation.
36:14The designers are over halfway through the collection challenge,
36:17working in groups to create a casual kids' wear collection
36:20for five- to six-year-olds that's gender neutral and fun.
36:25What do you think?
36:27That with the jean is absolutely spot on.
36:31Oh, that's an outfit.
36:33That's spot on.
36:34Having been torn as to whether or not
36:36a reversible pink jacket is gender neutral,
36:39Maria's team have ended up with a double denim outfit
36:42and a pinstripe shirt.
36:44They've put some fun back into their design
36:46with some teal edging and buttons.
36:49Ryan has made the loveliest shirt.
36:52I just can't believe how well made it is, honestly.
36:54Proper filled seams,
36:56intricately cut pockets,
36:58considerate design.
37:05I am a little bit worried about Ryan's shirt.
37:08It is a little bit formal on the smart side.
37:12I'd rarely put my kids in a shirt.
37:14Very well made.
37:15I'm really proud of that.
37:17Really proud of that.
37:18With less than an hour left,
37:20Maria doesn't have time to unpick all of her original pink fabric.
37:24It's so bulky.
37:26So instead is opting to sew denim over the top of it.
37:30Oh, my God, it's, like, cutting.
37:32Teflon or something.
37:33I know, it is.
37:38Hi, David. How are you getting on?
37:39I'm good, mate. How are you?
37:41You were a dancer.
37:42You toured on the... Take That, the musical.
37:44Yep.
37:45So you know a few moves when it comes to the stage and the dance floor.
37:48Yeah.
37:49Right, well, you show me.
37:50You show me, David. Come on.
37:51Right, cool.
37:55There we go.
37:56Oh, I'm ready!
37:57Keep going, David.
37:58Keep going.
37:59We're going in.
38:00We're going in.
38:02Right.
38:03Right.
38:04We're going in.
38:16Right, thanks, David.
38:17No worries, man.
38:23Designers, you've got 30 minutes left.
38:26Then straight back to reality.
38:28Moment of truth.
38:31APPLAUSE
38:32You absolute legend.
38:34Oh, my God.
38:38It's so bulky, this jacket.
38:41I'm going to have to go Antarctica.
38:43I don't know if, to me, this looks too male.
38:46But gender neutral is so subjective.
38:48I could see lots of girls wanting to wear this.
38:50Cos I'm really girly and I would want it pink.
38:52I'm worried about time now.
38:55These kids will be very lucky if they get a finished garment.
38:59You got this.
39:02Come on, Katie, you can do it. Believe in you.
39:06Oh, my God, that looks so pretty together.
39:09Oh, my God, we've got this.
39:11How long have we got?
39:12Designers, you've got five minutes left.
39:14That's five minutes to dress your mannequins.
39:17We need to get it on the mannequin, babe.
39:19OK, this is it, this is it.
39:21That went on smoothly.
39:23It's like a bulletproof vest.
39:25Nice.
39:27Yeah, OK.
39:29It's OK, it's OK.
39:31Right, let's get it on, quick.
39:3310, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
39:44That's it!
39:49Step away from your mannequins, everyone.
39:52Your time is up.
39:55Come on, you big lug.
39:57Well done.
39:58I love it, I love it.
40:00I love it.
40:08I really love this.
40:10I think it's gorgeous.
40:12It's also got some designer edge to it,
40:14so I think there is a bit of Stella McCartney in there, actually.
40:17Yeah, it's beautiful.
40:18Let's not forget that fabric they have made.
40:21I am quite impressed that the two of them have pushed the boundaries.
40:25I think it's amazing.
40:28This is fun.
40:30This is gorgeous.
40:31Yeah.
40:32I love, love, love this.
40:33Every child loves these little pockets.
40:36It is probably the most gender-neutral.
40:39From a value-for-money perspective,
40:41with hats completely reversible,
40:43you've actually got several outfits here in one.
40:45It's got good versatility.
40:47Which customers would love.
40:48Yeah.
40:51I'm going to start with the jacket.
40:53Go on.
40:54It's so stiff, so I don't know
40:56what has happened with the lining on this.
40:59It's not going to be comfortable for any child.
41:01The shirt, for me, doesn't really go.
41:03I know they've tied in the buttons.
41:05It just kind of doesn't fit in, really, for me.
41:08I can't imagine a five-year-old girl wearing that.
41:10I do love the jeans, though.
41:12They're super sweet, aren't they?
41:13They're really good jeans.
41:14The jeans are the best part of the outfit.
41:16Definitely.
41:17Gorgeous.
41:18We gave them the brief around style and fun.
41:20This isn't quite hitting the mark on style,
41:22and it definitely isn't fun.
41:24But it's not just about our decision,
41:26so let's wait and see what the kids are going to say.
41:28I can't wait to hear.
41:38Baby.
41:39I want this one.
41:44I like this one because it looks like a cheese.
41:47I like it so much.
41:49Oh, I want to try on the hat.
41:52It's so nice.
41:58Baby.
41:59Oh, God, my ovaries.
42:03I like the square pattern
42:05and, like, all the different materials and colours.
42:08I like the patterns.
42:10I really love the hat of it,
42:12and it's got nice shorts on it.
42:15The hat is really cool
42:16because then it's like two different hats in one.
42:19Well done, guys.
42:23I really like the colours.
42:25It's bright, but in a good way.
42:27Yeah.
42:29The pockets, I like you can put your hand all the way through.
42:34I like, on one day you can have the stars,
42:37on the other you can have the other.
42:39Very happy. I mean, that's high praise.
42:44I think this one has a different thing about it.
42:48They're very opinionated.
42:50I think the only thing I wouldn't put with a fit would be the shirt.
42:54OK. Yeah.
42:55I actually found the jacket a bit too structured.
42:58It's quite heavy. The quilting's quite heavy.
43:03So the mini customers and their parents have shared their thoughts,
43:07but it's now up to the experts to take on board those comments
43:11and decide who is still in the running for their dream job
43:14and who will come bottom of the class.
43:18Week three, Kids Wear Week.
43:20Are you seeing our designers go from strength to strength?
43:23Take on your advice.
43:24Some of them, definitely. Some, still not too sure.
43:27Oh! That is interesting.
43:29Who impressed you the most?
43:31I think for me it was Katie and David.
43:34I think they had such contrasting styles.
43:37The fact that they were able to work together so well
43:40and then actually come up with a design that was top to toe,
43:43really, really cohesive, I think was pretty impressive.
43:46I liked Sandeep and Paul. I love the idea behind it.
43:49I look at Sandeep and Paul's outfit and I feel brooding!
43:54He wants to have a baby!
43:58I think for me, Paul has really redeemed himself here.
44:01He really took on board that feedback
44:03and was able to deliver something that was way more commercial.
44:06Who's in danger?
44:07I mean, Maria's team, there were three of them,
44:10so in theory they had an advantage,
44:12but when you look at the final collection that they've made,
44:15it doesn't really sit together, it's not cohesive.
44:17It's just so disappointing because the jacket's too bulky
44:20and it just doesn't work.
44:21Although she does have a contrasting colour,
44:23I just feel like it's not fun.
44:25How do you think she did as a team leader, though?
44:28Did she drive them well?
44:29Do you know what? I was a bit disappointed by that.
44:32You know, you've got to be really, really confident
44:34and if you're not giving your team really clear direction,
44:37then they're going to lose their confidence
44:39and then the product that you're trying to design
44:41is going to be diluted along the way.
44:43Ryan, in the first challenge, came last.
44:46Did he do any better in the collections?
44:49I'm not really sure he hit that mark.
44:51It isn't fun and I don't think there's any kids,
44:53and in fact any of the parents that saw it
44:55that were drawn to that garment.
44:57It's not casual wear.
44:58The brief was really clear, five to six, casual,
45:01and it just isn't there.
45:03It was a great collection challenge,
45:06but you've now got to decide, what are the results?
45:09Who's going home?
45:10Do you think you've got an idea?
45:12I think so now.
45:13I think we do.
45:14And you're not going to tell us?
45:15No.
45:24Well done, designers.
45:26We've loved seeing you turn this studio
45:28into your very own playground.
45:30It's been amazing.
45:31So much creativity and imagination,
45:33and like the kids that we know and love,
45:35a lot of cleaning up.
45:37Only one team can be top of the class.
45:41The team with the must-have collection,
45:43and therefore safely through to next week is...
45:51..Team David!
45:57You worked so well together.
45:59You were respectful of each other's ideas,
46:02and you were able to meet in the middle
46:04to find an aesthetic that worked for you both,
46:07but most importantly, worked for the customer.
46:09Wow, thank you so much.
46:11It means a lot.
46:13No, it's never easy saying goodbye.
46:16The designer leaving the competition is...
46:24..Ryan.
46:34Oh, it gets tougher and tougher every time, doesn't it?
46:39I've shown everything that I came here to show,
46:41my inclusivity, my adaptability,
46:43the accessibility I stand for,
46:45so I'm definitely going out on a high.
46:47You've been amazing. Thank you so much.
46:51I've no regrets of anything I've shown
46:53or the story I've told,
46:55and I just hope that anyone else watching this can relate to it.
47:00Next time on Dress The Nation...
47:03This week, it's sportswear!
47:05Come on!
47:07Oh!
47:08I don't actually know what I'm doing.
47:10Like the design, I think it does stand out.
47:12Designers!
47:13It's sink or swim time now!
47:15Please.
47:16I'm making silly mistakes now.
47:18Oh, well. This is it.
47:35Dress The Nation.
47:36Brought to you by M&S.