Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Fashion.
Fashion Meets Activism: Tackling Drug Gang Exploitation
Devon-based designer Madelaine Atkinson is using her creative talents to spotlight the devastating impact of drug gangs on children. Through her bold and thought-provoking designs, Atkinson aims to draw attention to the exploitation of young people by county lines drug operations. Her collection, showcased at London Fashion Week, doubles as a call for greater protection and intervention for at-risk youth.
"I don’t want to glamorize this issue; my work is meant to highlight the abuse and suffering that victims endure," she explains.
Powerful Designs Inspired by County Lines Crisis
Atkinson’s collection features six striking designs, each laden with symbolism. One of her standout pieces is a dramatic 2.5-meter-long cape adorned with hundreds of mobile phones, collected from repair shops in London and Exeter. The phones represent the vast networks used by drug gangs to conduct their operations and exploit children in small towns and villages.
Another key design is a stab-vest-inspired silhouette, with oversized elements symbolizing the protective barriers that vulnerable youth desperately need. These pieces serve as visual metaphors for the violence and danger experienced by children coerced into drug running.
Highlighting Vulnerability: Protecting Young Lives
The issue of county lines drug gangs is a pressing one, with an estimated 46,000 children in England affected, according to the Children’s Commissioner. Atkinson’s work seeks to shift the narrative from judgment to empathy, emphasizing the vulnerability of the young people ensnared in these criminal networks.
“I want to take away the stigma and help people understand that these children are victims who need protection,” Atkinson says.
Community Collaboration: A Designer’s Mission with Refocus
Atkinson partnered with Lennox Rodgers, CEO of the charity Refocus, to amplify her message. Refocus works to intervene early and support young people caught up in knife crime and county lines drug dealing.
Rodgers, who has firsthand experience with gang life and has spent time in prison, is now dedicated to preventing others from following a similar path. "Rescuing kids from gangs is my way of saying sorry and giving them a chance at a better life," he says.
Together, Atkinson and Refocus have visited schools in areas heavily impacted by county lines operations, engaging directly with students to raise awareness.
Challenging the Fashion Industry’s Comfort Zone
Atkinson’s collection has sparked debate within the fashion world, with some critics labeling her themes as “too heavy” for the industry. However, she remains undeterred, aiming to create “meaningful pieces” that push boundaries and inspire change.
“I want my work to make people uncomfortable if it means starting important conversations,” Atkinson explains.
A Personal Mission to Spark Change Through Design
Atkinson’s collection was developed as part of her Masters degree in Fashion Entrepreneurship in Design and Brand Innovation at the Jimmy Choo Academy. Her commitment to the cause extends beyond design, with a portion of the profits from the collection earmarked for donation to Refocus.
For Atkinson, this project is deeply personal. "These designs are not just about fashion they’re about bringing attention to a crisis that is devastating young lives. If my work can inspire even one person to help, then it’s worth it."
Through her bold and symbolic creations, Atkinson is proving that fashion can be a powerful platform for advocacy, transforming the way we think about pressing social issues.
