Official Pride Figurehead Costume
Winner of the Transport for London × University of the Arts London Pride 2024 Costume Design Competitio
Costume Designer
Transport for London, in collaboration with the University of the Arts London – London College of Fashion, launched a competition inviting Costume for Performance students and alumni to design the official figurehead costume for Pride in London 2024. My proposal was selected as the winning design and realised as the centrepiece of TfL’s participation in one of London’s largest public celebrations.
Inspired by London’s transport heritage, the Underground network and the values of Pride, the costume reimagines the title (Mind the Weather) of the TFL advertisement poster from the 60’s as a symbol of visibility, diversity and connection. Transparent materials reference London’s ever-changing weather, while a flowing rainbow train celebrates the movement and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. The sculptural umbrella headpiece transforms a familiar object into a theatrical silhouette, creating a striking visual identity for the live performance.
From concept to completion, I led the costume’s creative and technical development, undertaking historical research, visual concept development, costume illustration, material experimentation, pattern cutting and garment construction. Every element was carefully considered to balance theatrical impact with the practical demands of a large-scale outdoor performance, ensuring durability, comfort and freedom of movement throughout the parade.
Following its debut at Pride in London 2024, the project continued to receive recognition beyond the event. The costume and its development were featured across Transport for London’s internal communications, celebrating the collaboration between TfL and the University of the Arts London. As part of VolunQueer, TfL’s LGBTQ+ employee network, the original performance boots were exhibited during Pride Month at OUTERNET London, recognising LGBTQ+ creativity and community engagement. The project was further commemorated in The Greatest Gathering, a commissioned panoramic painting by Tim O’Brien for Alstom, documenting landmark moments in Britain’s railway history.
This project reflects my approach to costume as a form of visual storytelling, where historical research, craftsmanship and performance combine to create work that communicates identity, celebrates community and continues to resonate beyond the stage.
