Metquarter hosts new fashion exhibition from Toxteth teens

Toxteth teenagers have teamed up with designers, stylists and photographers to stage a new exhibition in the heart of Liverpool’s Metquarter.

The Threads that Bind Us, created by members of the Tiber Young Producers programme, is running until August 28 at the Whitechapel venue.

The exhibition features portraits of the young producers wearing their designs, sustainable fashions created using upcycled materials and with the support of fashion designer Andrew Ibi, and includes reflections on their experiences of community, what it is like to be a young person in 2024 and creating positive change.

They have also worked with luxury retailer CRICKET, photographer Emma Case and Stef Bradley from Tate Liverpool’s learning team, along with receiving support and mentoring from YETI Creative, artist Neil Keating, writer Mike Pinnington, stylist Mithila Ramagavigan and fashion designer Alena Kadera.

Tiber young producers are a group of young producers, artists and curators aged 13 to 18.

Tate Liverpool has been working with the young producers for more than two years with the group previously creating Future Forecast, a newly commissioned audio-visual artwork about climate change, in collaboration with Turner Prize winner Mark Leckey.

Above and top: The Threads that Bind Us exhibition at the Metquarter.

Young producer Elsie Kinzambi said: “Working with Tate has been an experience of a lifetime. Working with stylists and photographers has given me an insight into my future and I’m so grateful for the amazing people we met. I can’t wait to flourish on my fashion journey.”

And CRICKET Justine Mills added: “Community and inclusivity have always been at the core of CRICKET's values since opening in Liverpool in the early 90s and having the opportunity to work with Tate and the Tiber Young Producers on such an empowering and uplifting project has been fantastic.

“We’re strong advocates of the city and the vibrant talent we have here, and we have been impressed by the creativity, positivity, and enthusiasm this group has shown.”

The Threads that Bind Us is at the Metquarter from noon to 4pm daily until August 28.