Shaun Kearney named patron of new fashion school

The soon-to-open Rare School of Fashion in Liverpool has named British fashion designer Shaun Kearney, who is vice president of Fabletics, the women’s sportswear brand co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, as its co-founder and patron of the school’s vocationally-focused syllabus.

The school, which opens in September, will be located on Duke Street in the city centre, and will offer 15 students aged 16 and over the chance to study for a BTEC Level 3 in Fashion and Design. The course syllabus will have a strong emphasis on business, buying and online fashion retailing, and marks the first of its kind outside of London.

Kearney, who was born in Merseyside and inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2011, will offer the fashion school his industry expertise, experience and passion to empower the students with the skills to step into the world of fashion.

Commenting on the honour, Kearney said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be able to bring my global fashion industry experience back to the city that groomed me for success.

“Liverpool holds a very special place in my heart and the talent in this city is endless. I am very much looking forward to nurturing and educating some of the greatest designers of our future.”

New fashion school to launch in Liverpool in September

Michelle Faulker, director and principal of Rare School of Fashion added: “We are honoured to be teaming up with one of the world’s most respected designers to give Liverpool a new centre of excellence in fashion and design.

“The Rare School of Fashion will be rooted deeply in values just like our school of performing arts and will focus on giving those students who are talented, but may be experiencing difficulty, the chance to realise their dreams by giving them the best possible start to their career.”

Rare School of Fashion will be hosting interviews for its first cohort of students across July. Requirements for admission are: a minimum of 5 GCSEs (grade C or above in Maths and English), a portfolio of design (fashion designs not essential) and an ambition for the fashion industry.