Liverpool fashion designer Francesca Kearns is set to launch a new clothing collection for teenagers, inspired directly by feedback from local girls. The new range, named 'Fashionista by Francesca', will be unveiled at the Scouse Girl Social event at BOXPARK on October 12.
The collection from the established Francesca Couture brand aims to provide stylish, age-appropriate occasionwear, filling a market gap between children's and women's clothing while encouraging self-confidence among young people.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool designer Francesca Kearns is launching 'Fashionista by Francesca', a new fashion line for teenagers.
- The collection was designed based on feedback from local girls at a workshop with the Girls With Dreams Club.
- The official launch will take place at the Scouse Girl Social event at BOXPARK on October 12.
- The range is described as 'casual occasionwear' and aims to boost confidence and individuality in young girls.
New Collection Aims to Empower Young Women
Francesca Kearns, the founder of the successful Liverpool-based brand Francesca Couture, has developed a new line specifically for the teenage market. For nearly 20 years, her designs have been a staple in Liverpool's fashion scene. Now, she is turning her attention to a younger demographic.
The 'Fashionista by Francesca' collection is intended to serve as a bridge between children's clothing and adult womenswear. Kearns, a mother of two daughters aged 7 and 11, recognized a need for clothing that appeals to teenagers while also meeting parental approval.
The line is described as casual occasionwear, suitable for events like birthdays or festive gatherings. It moves away from fast fashion, offering made-to-order pieces that are designed to make the wearer feel special and confident.
Inspired by Direct Feedback from Scouse Girls
The inspiration for the new collection came from a unique collaboration with the Girls With Dreams Club, an organization dedicated to empowering young girls in Liverpool. Kearns worked with the club's directors, Nicola Byrne and Sarah Worsley, to understand what teenagers actually want to wear.
The Fashionista Forum
In June, a 'fashionista forum' was held where girls from the club participated in workshops. They created mood boards and shared their thoughts on fashion, providing Francesca Kearns with direct insight into their preferences and insecurities.
During these sessions, Kearns was surprised to learn that many girls preferred gymwear because it felt safe and helped them avoid standing out. This feedback became a driving force behind the new collection's mission.
"They basically all said they just wear gymwear because they feel safe, comfortable and they know they won’t stand out. That really surprised me because when I was younger we wanted to wear the latest thing before anyone else," Kearns explained.
She added that the goal is to show young girls that it is acceptable and even cool to be a leader in their own style. "I wanted to create something that the girls want to wear and the mums don’t mind them wearing, so it’s a happy medium," she said.
Scouse Girl Social Launch Event
The 'Fashionista by Francesca' collection will make its debut at the Scouse Girl Social, an event held at BOXPARK on Sunday, October 12. The event is a joint effort between Francesca Couture and the Girls With Dreams Club.
The social is designed to be more than just a fashion show. It will feature a full day of activities aimed at inspiring and empowering attendees, including:
- Workshops on various topics
- Inspirational talks from women in different industries
- Beauty demonstrations
- Live music and DJ sets
Kearns noted the event's dual purpose: "I said to Nic, why don’t we do an event together where I bring the fashion, the superficial element of what girls want, and you and Sarah bring the what girls need element?" This approach combines fashion with important messages about self-awareness and confidence.
Event Details
- What: Scouse Girl Social
- Where: BOXPARK, Liverpool
- When: Sunday, October 12
- Highlights: Fashion show, panel talks, workshops, and live music.
A Catwalk with a Community Focus
The highlight of the Scouse Girl Social will be a special catwalk show to unveil the new collection. In line with the project's community focus, the models will not be professionals but rather girls from the local area.
Models will include members of the Girls With Dreams Club and Francesca's own 11-year-old daughter, Petra. The models will range in age from 11 to 16, representing the target audience for the new fashion line.
Kearns will also participate in a panel discussion during the event, sharing her journey as an entrepreneur who started her business at the age of 21. She hopes her story and the new collection will inspire the next generation.
"I’m really excited to see how they feel when they wear the designs and see their ideas come to life on the catwalk," she stated. "I hope this inspires them too, and they understand you can do what you put your mind to, it’s not too far out of reach."
For many of Kearns' long-time customers who are now mothers themselves, the new collection offers a way to introduce their daughters to a local, meaningful brand that has grown alongside them.