Devon-based designer Madelaine Atkinson has created a bold fashion collection to draw attention to the exploitation of children by county lines drug gangs.
Her work, showcased at London Fashion Week, features striking designs such as a stab-vest silhouette and a dramatic 8-foot-long cape adorned with mobile phones, symbolizing the pervasive nature of these criminal networks.
Atkinson, who grew up in Devon, emphasized that her designs aim to raise awareness rather than glamorize the issue.
“I don’t want to glamorize it; it’s to highlight the abuse people go through,” she explained.
The cape, made from hundreds of phones donated by repair shops in London and Exeter, reflects how extensively county lines operations affect communities across the UK.
Oversized stab-vest designs portray themes of violence and vulnerability while calling for greater protection for exploited youth.
According to the Children’s Commissioner, at least 46,000 children in England are involved in county lines drug activity.
To further understand the issue, Atkinson collaborated with Lennox Rodgers, CEO of the charity Refocus, which helps young people escape knife crime and gang involvement.
Rodgers, who turned his life around after a past in gangs and prison, shared his personal insights with Atkinson and students during school visits.
“Rescuing kids from gangs is my way of saying sorry and helping others avoid the path I took,” he said.
Atkinson hopes her designs challenge judgmental attitudes toward young people caught up in county lines.
“The theme is heavy, and some say it’s too much for the fashion world, but I want to make meaningful pieces,” she noted.
Her collection was developed as part of her Master’s degree in Fashion Entrepreneurship in Design and Brand Innovation at the Jimmy Choo Academy.
A portion of the profits will be donated to Refocus, supporting the charity’s mission to protect vulnerable youth.
Atkinson’s work exemplifies the potential of fashion to address social issues, combining creativity with a powerful message.
Also read: Wicked Part One: A Visually Stunning Yet Incomplete Prelude
