Warm-up
Answer a few quick questions before today’s lesson about entertainment.
Listening
Listen carefully to the recording and answer each question. You can replay the audio up to two times.
Listening
Read all the questions carefully before the recording begins. You will hear the recording twice.
Reading
Read the passage on the left, then work through the questions on the right.
Reading — The Creative Mind Behind the Runway
Read the passage on the left, then answer the questions one by one.
The Creative Mind Behind the Runway
Fashion design has long been celebrated as a legitimate form of entertainment and artistic expression, captivating audiences through innovative collections that challenge conventional beauty standards. Over the past decade, the industry has witnessed a dramatic shift in how designers approach their craft, with many now drawing inspiration from unexpected sources such as architecture, social movements, and even climate science. Designers like Stella McCartney and Virgil Abloh have been pioneering sustainable fashion practices while maintaining commercial appeal—a balance that many in the industry believed impossible. McCartney has been working with eco-friendly materials since 2001, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist. The British designer’s approach has influenced countless emerging talents who are now experimenting with recycled fabrics and zero-waste production methods. If fashion brands were to adopt these practices industry-wide, the environmental impact could be transformative, though implementing such changes would require significant investment and cooperation across supply chains. The design process itself has evolved considerably. Contemporary designers are increasingly using digital tools and virtual reality to prototype collections before manufacturing begins. This technological integration has shortened development timelines and reduced material waste. Young designers entering the field today have access to technologies that previous generations could only dream of, allowing them to experiment more boldly with concept and structure. Looking forward, fashion industry experts predict that personalisation and customisation will dominate the next five years. If consumers continue demanding unique, bespoke pieces rather than mass-produced items, the entire retail model could fundamentally change. This shift would naturally favour independent designers and small studios over traditional fashion houses, potentially democratizing the industry in ways we have yet to fully understand.Vocabulary Practice
Practise the 12 key vocabulary items from this lesson through three exercises.
Vocabulary Practice — Fashion Design
Work through all three parts. Each part uses the same vocabulary in a different way.
Use of English
Transform the root word in brackets to fit the sentence.
The Art of Fashion Design
Use of English — Word formation
Choose or type the correct word for each gap in the passage above.
Writing Task
B2 First — Writing Part 2
Enter your name if you would like your teacher to identify your work — this is optional. Click Start when you are ready. The timer will begin immediately.
Speaking
Speaking task. Read the instructions, then complete the task.
After the Lesson
Reflect on what you learned and how confident you feel now.
Teacher Guide
Practise with
- challengesnoun
Difficult problems or situations that require skill and effort to overcome or solve.
- creativeadjective
involving the use of imagination to produce new ideas
- decisionsnoun
Choices made after considering different options or possibilities.
- determinationnoun
The quality of being resolved to achieve something despite difficulties or opposition.
- digital toolsphrase
Computer software and equipment used to create and design things digitally.
- excitingadjective
making you feel interested and happy about something
- inspirationnoun
A person, event, or idea that stimulates someone to create or achieve something meaningful.
- passionnoun
a very strong feeling or enthusiasm
- personalizationnoun
Making a product or service fit what one person wants or needs.
- popularadjective
liked or enjoyed by many people
- traditionnoun
a custom or belief passed down through generations
- workingadjective
Functioning or operating; actively doing something practical or useful.