Young art students played their part in creating a children’s clothing collection to help raise funds for a non-profit arts programme.

The students from Hout Bay’s Lalela arts programme were asked to come up with clothing designs for H&M South Africa, according to Firdous Hendricks, Lalela’s executive director.

The Role Models collection collection was officially launched at H&M Canal Walk and H&M Centurion last month.

“This limited-edition, locally printed collection features unisex T-shirts and hoodies adorned with vibrant prints designed by Lalela students,” Ms Hendricks said.

The partnership was meant to spark creative thinking and awaken the entrepreneurial spirit in youth from disadvantaged communities, she said

The Role Models collection is an initiative created by H&M to offer kids a way to tell their stories through artistic and creative outlets, according to the company’s website.

“The Role Models collection is a testament to what can happen when young minds are given the opportunity to express themselves, and we are excited to see their artwork make an impact beyond the classroom,” Ms Hendricks said.

All proceeds from the collection will go towards the Lalela arts programme.

One of the Lalela students, Hout Bay High matric pupil Georgia Boltman, 18, said she was first introduced to Lalela while at Sentinel Primary School.

“It became my safe space after school where I could express myself through art. I attended the Lalela women empowerment programme when I started Grade 9 at Hout Bay High School. Here I was able to interact with different groups of women learning new things about each other and empowering the youth.”

Aisha Dikhana, 20, said she hoped to become a fashion designer one day.

She’s currently studying business administration at Tsiba Business School and previously attended Sentinel Primary School and Hout Bay High School.

“The clothing design’s of the T-shirts are pretty flowers with different colours that describe the beauty of everyday emotions. It was exciting to work on this project, and it was my first time to ever do a fashion design.

“The message that I wanted to convey was that no matter what mood you are in or whichever emotions you are feeling, always remember that you will always stay blooming like flowers and that it’s okay to not be okay at times and that you are beautiful.”

The collection will remain in stores until the end of the year.

“This unique collaboration celebrates the transformative power of the arts in nurturing hope in our communities and helping young people dream big," said H&M South Africa country manager Caroline Nelson.

The launch of the Lalela and H&M collaboration at Canal Walk Shopping Centre last month.

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Fashion designs raise funds for art group