The MAKE programming strand was a lively hub of creativity and craftsmanship, offering a diverse lineup of hands-on workshops designed to inspire, skill-up, and promote sustainable fashion practices. Whether participants were upcycling, experimenting with natural dyes or embellshing basics, the sessions invited everyone to engage directly with making in a meaningful way.

From embroidering found treasures into personalised bags with textile designer Lauren Paul, to crafting bespoke patches alongside master upcycler Dani Dawkins, and knitting bags from old t-shirts with Geo Knits Slow, the workshops showcased a rich variety of skills and techniques. Biodesign Collective led sessions on creating biomaterials from scratch, merging science and sustainability, while Clara Chu’s playful workshop transformed discarded household items into colourful wearable accessories.

Beyond these, a range of other creative opportunities encouraged attendees to experiment, repair, customise and rethink fashion, proving that making can be as much about imagination and community as it is about craft.

The Festival Pop-Up Shop was a vibrant celebration of sustainable fashion, bringing together a curated mix of emerging designers and innovative startups.

Open daily throughout the festival, visitors explored reclaimed pieces from Alterist, Round Retail, and Loom – platforms leading the way in creative collaboration, charitable resale and wardrobe redesign.

Flair Fashion curated a showcase of emerging designers pushing the boundaries of fashion, technology and storytelling, alongside a selection of organic and regeneratively grown fabrics from Indilisi, the initiative founded by award-winning entrepreneur Safia Minney MBE.

The shop also featured a remarkable lineup of next-generation talent: Balena’s high-performance biopolymers; Colour Earth’s regenerative plant-based dyes; TEOZ’s bold womenswear from surplus textiles; Asmuss’ blend of technical performance and sustainable design; Anciela’s heritage-inspired sustainable luxury rooted in Latinx culture; Phygital Twin’s fusion of digital and physical fashion; and Clara Chu’s upcycled accessories crafted from discarded household items.

Alongside shopping, visitors could take part in practical activations: sneakers were professionally cleaned by Vamp at a special festival rate, clothing repairs were booked at OMNIFIX’s on-site clinic and worn-out jeans were mended by White Weft as part of the 1000 Jeans Challenge.