More than just a Market Challenge
Posted on: 30.03.2026
We had a great time working with our friends at London Metropolitan University on the Petticoat Lane Market Challenge last month, and not just because we’re Great British Sewing Bee fanatics. See, even though our market has been up and running for the best part of four centuries, we’ve got plenty of young local talent joining the mix. Many East Londoners have fond memories of times down the Lane (the ever-dapper Cockney Sikh will back us up on that), and now this new cohort of youngsters have joined its bevy of fans.
On top of an introduction to the long history of London markets and getting to know their local area better, the students had something else to think about during their visit: a live brief. They didn’t just pop down on a Sunday for a mosey around. They were there with a strict £10 budget to buy clothes and accessories for styling and upcycling, in line with their ‘exploring contrast’ course module.
We caught up with Chiara Cola, Senior Lecturer and Module Leader in the Foundation Design Studio at London Metropolitan University, about how this project taught the students more than just where to snag a killer bargain:
“Having the students spend time at the Sunday market definitely changed their perception of the area in a positive way. Sunday is a non-teaching day, so few of them would have a reason to be there. The uni is in such a great area and we often weave it into our projects, so this challenge fitted really well with that. It also meant they could see the brief of ‘exploring contrast’ applied in a real-life setting, learning the skills of responding to a client brief in a supportive environment – one of London’s great historic markets.
A lot of the participants got a really great confidence boost from this opportunity also. They realised they had skills they hadn’t previously explored, and that they can respond to a challenge better than they initially imagined. It taught them about working within a budget to still create something that’s visually interesting – proof that styling is the key element of a finished garment when you’re working in fashion and textiles.
We were all grateful to have this opportunity and to work with Aldgate Connect BID within the community beyond our campus.”
The feeling’s mutual. We had the time our lives collaborating with the lovely London Met Uni students and team, and we can’t wait to see what the next Market Challenge brings.
Check out our Instagram and TikTok to catch up on what they got up to, and be in the know about what’s coming next…
