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02 Apr 2025

In Conversation with Alex Whitley, AWDC and Louisa Hicks, C-Screens

Ahead of this year’s Fashion District Festival, we caught up with festival partners Alexander Whitley, founder of Alexander Whitley Dance Company, and Louisa Hicks, National Account Manager at C-Screens, to discuss their roles in bringing the Performance Showcase to life.

19 Mar 2025

In Conversation with Jana Scholtzova, Spitalfields E1

To launch our series of features spotlighting the people shaping FDF25, we sit down with Jana Scholtzova from Spitafields E1 to discuss their involvement in this year’s festival, from the importance of in-person events to the vibrant energy of London and their ongoing support for the fashion community.

28 Nov 2024

Evo Fashion: Cohort Two Graduates at The Backroom Pitch!

On Tuesday, the spotlight shone brightly at The Trampery Old Street, where The Backroom Pitch marked the finale of the Evo Fashion programme. An evening steeped in innovation and ingenuity, the event brought together […]

21 Nov 2024

The WIP: Why Your Values Should Drive Your Business Partnerships

Have you heard about The WIP’s Expert Directory? This new platform is a one stop shop for all your environmental and social impact experts, offering the opportunity to connect […]

05 Sep 2024

Evo Fashion: Cohort Two Announced!

Ready to meet the second cohort of businesses selected for the Evo Fashion programme? Following the success of the first round of Evo Fashion earlier this year, here at Fashion District, we’re beyond excited for our second cohort to embark on this experiential […]

21 Aug 2024

No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District: An interview with Mili Tharakan

Having spent 20 years working in smart textiles as a designer and researcher, Mili brings her expertise to her podcast No Ordinary Cloth, where she delves into the wonderful world […]

09 Jul 2024

Emerging Designers Graduate from Evo Fashion With a Showcase at The Conduit

The first cohort of fashion brands and designers graduated from our Evo Fashion programme at a special industry showcase […]

04 Jul 2024

Fibe wins Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge

Fashion District has announced Fibe as the winner of its 2024 Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge. Fibe is a material science startup developing the world’s first textile fibres out of potato harvest waste […]

16 May 2024

Manufacturing Futures 2024 kicks off with Critical Friends Day at Plexal

Last week, we gathered our 10 shortlisted businesses at Plexal’s Innovation Centre for Critical Friends Day, officially launching our 2024 programme […]

30 Apr 2024

Manufacturing Futures: Shortlist Announcement!

Fashion District has announced the shortlist of 10 start-ups and SMEs in its coveted Innovation Challenge: Manufacturing Futures programme. As part of the programme, the brands have the chance to win a £15,000 cash prize […]

16 Apr 2024

Evo Fashion Applications for Round Two Opened at Tech Talks

Last week, we celebrated the launch of applications for the second round of Evo Fashion at Tech Talks, in collaboration with Evo Learning […]

20 Feb 2024

Evo Fashion: Cohort One Announced!

Ready to meet the first cohort of businesses selected for the Evo Fashion programme? After calling for applications throughout December and January, we’re now thrilled to unveil the first businesses selected for the programme. With a holistic approach […]

13 Feb 2024

Inside the Launch of Manufacturing Futures 2024

Last week we celebrated the launch of Manufacturing Futures 2024. Marking Fashion District’s sixth innovation challenge, this year the focus is on […]

21 Dec 2023

Come to the launch of our new Innovation Challenge: Manufacturing Futures 2024

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our next innovation challenge Manufacturing […]

15 Nov 2023

Evo Fashion Launch at The Trampery, Fish Island Village

Last week we launched Evo Fashion, our free five-month business support programme that will be running throughout 2024. Taking place at The Trampery Fish Island Village, the event […]

01 Aug 2023

Fashion District Festival: Live Showcase – Watch Now!

The Fashion District Festival kicked off in true style with an extraordinary showcase that illuminated East London’s emerging creative talent. Elevating the traditional catwalk […]

06 Jun 2023

Fashion District Festival Returns for 2023!

The Fashion District Festival is making a highly anticipated return for its second iteration at Spitalfields from 11-16 July 2023. Taking over the vibrant east London destination […]

11 May 2023

Fashion District Shortlisted for Small Business Charter Excellence Awards

We’re excited to announce that Fashion District has been nominated for not one, but two Small Business Charter Excellence Awards […]

31 Mar 2023

Celebrating Sustainability, Community and Innovation at Poplar Works’ 3rd Birthday

It was inspiring to see so many of you at Poplar Works’ on Thursday 2nd March for our 3rd […]

14 Mar 2023

Sparking collective action at Becoming Circular: Revaluing Waste

Last week, we hosted our Becoming Circular: Revaluing Waste event in collaboration with London Borough of Waltham Forest’s […]

03 Mar 2023

A Look Back at Fashion Circle: Impactful Storytelling

Last week we held our first in-person Fashion Circle event in collaboration with The Trampery. Designed to enable fashion businesses to learn and develop their […]

16 Feb 2023

Becoming Circular: Revaluing Waste

With spring on the horizon, the team at Fashion District can’t wait for longer, lighter days and our upcoming event: Becoming Circular: Revaluing Waste, taking place on March 1st, 18:00 – 20:30, at Hackney Brewery & High Hill Taproom […]

31 Jan 2023

Get your ticket to Fashion Circle: Impactful Storytelling

Want to know more about the impact policy coming into play this year and how this might affect your company? Join us at our first event of 2023: Fashion Circle – an event series for […]

20 Dec 2022

Celebrating Community at the Traces: Stories of Migration Finissage

Last Thursday, it was all about celebrating the power of community at our Traces: Stories of Migration Finissage, in collaboration with Making for Change. The event felt like a timely […]

17 Nov 2022

Fashion at The Lab E20: Catwalks, Presentations and Pop-Ups

Over the last six months, The Lab E20 has seen a flurry of fashion activity. From charity fashion shows to the unveiling of SS23 […]

08 Nov 2022

New circular ideas for small businesses hatched at roundtable event

Last week we hosted our Circular Economy event, in collaboration with The Green Business Network, at Orford House in Walthamstow […]

02 Nov 2022

PANGAIA and Fashion District announce winner of Design Futures Innovation Prize

Last night we announced the winner of Design Futures 2022, supported by PANGAIA, at […]

27 Oct 2022

The Backroom Pitch: Connecting Innovators and Investors

Last month we hosted The Backroom Pitch at the Hyatt Regency London Stratford to give ten startups the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of investors, including VCs […]

18 Oct 2022

Launching today: The Regenerative Fashion Hub

We are thrilled to announce that The Textiles Circularity Centre will be taking over The Lab E20 with the launch of The Regenerative Fashion Hub – a 6-week exhibition […]

13 Oct 2022

The Fashion District is delighted to announce that we have teamed up with the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s Green Business Network and Waltham Forest Fashion […]

06 Oct 2022

Design Futures 2022: Critical Friends Day

Our shortlisted designers had the privilege of presenting their innovations to industry experts at our ‘Critical Friends Day’ The day provided the finalists with the rare opportunity to receive critical feedback […]

29 Sep 2022

Design Futures Finalists Announced: Meet the designers advancing circular fashion in 2022

The Fashion District, in collaboration with London College of Fashion, UAL, is pleased […]

26 Sep 2022

Traces: Stories of Migration Workshops for Textile Practitioners

Are you a maker with textile skills? Here’s your chance to develop your practice and produce a new work alongside artist, Lucy Orta […]

21 Sep 2022

London Fashion Week: Sustainable Fashion Round Up

Fashion Week returned to the capital last week in the depths of the royal mourning period. Whilst the usual parties were cancelled, the majority of scheduled shows remained […]

24 Aug 2022

The Lab E20: 6 Months of Sustainability, Community and Creativity

Since March we’ve been curating The Lab E20’s cultural programme with a focus on sustainability, community and creativity […]

15 Jun 2022

Investment Opportunity: PDS Innovation Awards

We’re delighted to announce that Fashion District is supporting The PDS Innovation Awards! Celebrating the ongoing partnership between Common Objective (CO) and […]

09 Jun 2022

Green Kids Studio: Activities for Little Eco Warriors

Are you looking for a fun way to introduce your kids to sustainability? Bring your little eco warriors along to the Green Kids Studio for FREE storytelling, puppet making and craft […]

07 Jun 2022

Apply Now: The Backroom Pitch

Are you a fashion or fashion-tech startup focusing on sustainability? Looking to raise £250K and above over the next 6-12 months? Apply to The Backroom Pitch to be in with the chance of pitching […]

31 May 2022

Meet Design Futures 2022 Judge: Phoebe English

In the lead up to our Design Futures 2022 application deadline, we sat down with renowned sustainable womenswear designer, Phoebe English, to talk about […]

25 May 2022

Green Kids Studio: A Sustainable Children’s Fashion Pop-Up

Join us on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June at The Lab E20 to pick up conscious products for your little ones from leading sustainable kidswear brands […]

24 May 2022

New Exhibition: ReGo: Our Story in the Making

Brand new east London exhibition, ReGo, to explore fashion activism’s impact on positive social change through a fashion collection made from repurposed knives taken off […]

17 May 2022

Meet Design Futures 2022 Prize Giver: Anglo American Sewing Machines

Anglo American Sewing Machines is a company with a difference – for one thing, they have a long, colourful history. “My grandfather […]

09 May 2022

Design Futures 2022 Launch at The Lab E20

Last week we celebrated the launch of Design Futures 2022 in collaboration with PANGAIA. Taking place at The Lab E20, the event offered attendees the chance to hear from our panel of judges […]

29 Mar 2022

Come along to the launch of our next Innovation Challenge: Design Futures 2022

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our next innovation challenge Design Futures 2022, in collaboration with PANGAIA […]

09 Mar 2022

Fashion District: Investment Event Series

Fashion District’s first ever investment event series is coming to you on April 7. Taking place at The Lab E20, these events will give you the chance to connect with fashion […]

01 Mar 2022

Waltham Forest Fashion Re(Made) in 2022

Waltham Forest Fashion has worked in close collaboration with Fashion District and local design studio, Egg, to create a new brand identity that reflects their unique network of strong sustainable fashion businesses […]

15 Feb 2022

Investment Pitcha Kucha: Open for Expressions of Interest

Are you an emergent fashion business looking to raise capital? Want to receive expert feedback on your business innovation? Express your […]

14 Feb 2022

Seekd x Fashion District Pop-Up at The Lab E20

Fashion District are collaborating with Seekd on an exciting new pop-up at The Lab E20 – Get Living’s new flagship destination in East Village. From 11th – 13th March, Londoners will be […]

11 Feb 2022

Upcoming Event: Good Work for Fashion Roundtable and Workshops

Join The Trampery to explore how London’s fashion industry can adopt more sustainable, inclusive and ethical best practice with a […]

03 Feb 2022

Fashion District Whistle Stop Industry Tour

Fashion District is thrilled to share they are teaming up with London College of Fashion’s Graduate Futures to offer LCF Insight students the chance to connect with the London […]

18 Jan 2022

STEP IN TO FASHION – CALL FOR EMPLOYERS LOOKING TO OFFER INTERNSHIPS

Fashion District has teamed up with A New Direction at The Good Growth Hub, to launch the STEP programme for its fifth year. We […]

11 Nov 2021

Message to Industry with Alice Aedy

During the Fashion District Festival in September, we were thrilled to welcome Alice Aedy to our Showcase, where she eloquently shared a message directed at the fashion industry, encouraging steps towards a more […]

21 Oct 2021

Fashion District Festival Round-Up: Part Two

Our second blog presents a round-up of the festival showcase and our MAKE workshops, all designed to inspire creativity and platform emerging designers […]

14 Oct 2021

Fashion District Festival Round-Up: Part One

Our first blog presents a round-up of festival programming that was aimed at supporting emerging designers and start-ups, from our pop-up shop to our GROW events […]

09 Sep 2021

Congratulations to our MF21 Winners

The Fashion District, in collaboration with the Fashion Innovation Agency, is delighted to announce the winners for Manufacturing Futures: Fashion District Innovation Challenge 2021 […]

25 Aug 2021

Festival Schedule Announced

Here at Fashion District we are pleased to share the news that the schedule for the Fashion District Festival, taking place 22-26th September 2021, is now available to browse and book online. […]

22 Jul 2021

A Tour of the Fashion District Film

Our new film, from Deadline Communications, showcases London’s bright and bold designer talent, in the places and spaces of the Fashion District – Hackney, Haringey, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower […]

18 May 2021

IET TV with Worn Again and Fashion For Good

The IET, Fashion District’s sponsor of Manufacturing Futures 2021, is celebrating 150 years of innovation this year and has broadcast a series of TV programmes in honour of the anniversary […]

14 May 2021

Fashion Circle: Sustainably Made

Join us at Fashion Circle, an event series presented by the Fashion District and The Trampery for fashion businesses to learn and develop their network. We are delighted to host the second in […]

11 May 2021

Meet the Manufacturing Futures 2021 Shortlist

he Fashion District, in collaboration with the Fashion Innovation Agency, is delighted to announce the shortlist for Manufacturing Futures: Fashion District Innovation Challenge 2021 […]

04 May 2021

Lone Design Club – Designer Call Out

Lone Design Club – Designer Call Out Lone Design Club (winners of Fashion District’s Retail Futures 2020) are looking for fresh new designers to showcase across their channels! They are […]

23 Apr 2021

WELCOME TO BUILDING BLOQS – LONDON’S LARGEST OPEN-ACCESS WORKSHOP

Are you looking for pay-as-you go studio space? Do you need access to best-in-class machinery at […]

25 Feb 2021

Fashion District & The Trampery present: Fashion Circle

Join us at our new event series for fashion businesses. Launched as part of a day of events to celebrate Poplar Works’ 1st Birthday, we will be kicking […]

29 Jan 2021

Apply to MATCHES FASHION’s New Internship Programme!

Are you looking for a chance to give your career a new direction in 2021? This year, MATCHESFASHION have begun their 4th cohort […]

29 Jan 2021

MEET KAPDAA – THE OFFCUT COMPANY, DEDICATED TO SAVING TEXTILES FROM LANDFILL

Are you looking for innovative solutions to textile waste? Interested in adopting more circular practices? If so, meet KAPDAA – The […]

29 Jan 2021

LONDON FASHION FUND OPEN TO EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The London Fashion Fund is currently open expressions of interest from fashion and biotech start-ups to close their latest round of investment. EOI’s will be [….]

13 Jan 2021

JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF MANUFACTURING FUTURES 2021

Fashion District, in collaboration with the Fashion Innovation Agency, is pleased to announce the launch of the Manufacturing Futures 2021: Fashion District Innovation […]

20 Oct 2020

Hear the sounds of Leyton Green Studios by artist in residence Harriette Meynell

The Art for the Environment International Artist Residency Programme (AER) provides UAL graduates with the exceptional opportunity […]

14 Sep 2020

Meet the Retail Futures 2020 Shortlist

Meet the Retail Futures 2020 Shortlist The Fashion District, in collaboration with the Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion, UAL, is delighted to announce its shortlist for the […]

25 Aug 2020

Waltham Forest Fashion drop in – networking, business support, promotion

Waltham Forest Fashion drop in – networking, business support, promotion. Are you in the fashion and textiles industry in Waltham […]

11 Aug 2020

Sabinna Rachimova inspires the next generation on East Summer School 2020

This summer fashion designer Sabinna is partnering London College of Fashion to inspire young people on the ‘East Summer […]

22 Jul 2020

Retail Futures 2020 – Depop & The Next Generation of Retail

Depop is the fashion marketplace for the next generation, offering a platform that is inclusive, diverse and less wasteful – with transformation at it’s heart. […]

21 Jul 2020

Meet Petit Pli, the material innovation and Fash-Tech startup that creates clothes that grow with your child.

Petit Pli is based in the Fashion District in […]

09 Jul 2020

FORGE FASHION SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR BUSINESSES IN WALTHAM FOREST

Today, Forge Fashion launches, and will help 30 of Waltham Forest’s fashion and textile businesses to thrive […]

08 Jul 2020

SME R&D Support Programme – Funding Call Round 2

The Business of Fashion, Textiles & Technology (BFTT) SME R&D Support Programme is open for Expressions of Interest (EOI). This funding call is looking to support small […]

25 Jun 2020

Retail Futures 2020 – Sponsored by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

HELEN LAX INTERVIEWS THE WINNERS OF RETAIL FUTURES 2019. The experience of the Fashion District Innovationa Challenge Prize, the benefit to start-ups, and a few words of […]

19 Jun 2020

Retail Futures 2020 Sponsored by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

HELEN LAX INTERVIEWS KATIE BARON FROM STYLUS: COVID-19, THE FUTURE OF RETAIL AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION. There is no doubt […]

08 Apr 2020

Let’s Connect

LET’S CONNECT: INTRODUCE YOURSELF OVER A VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH THE FASHION DISTRICT We usually spent half our week out-and-about meeting new faces, learning about new businesses & start-ups, creating meaningful connections within […]

04 Mar 2020

POPLAR WORKS NOW OPEN

POPLAR WORKS NOW OPEN A NEW SPACE FOR FASHION, CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP OPENS IN THE HEART OF LONDON’S FASHION DISTRICT Poplar Works, one of the Fashion District workspaces supported by […]

19 Feb 2020

London Fashion Fund champions the future of fashion sustainability

London Fashion Fund investments champion the future of fashion sustainability. We are delighted to announce that three sustainable fashion […]

04 Dec 2019

Fashion Capital Tailoring Academy opens for apprenticeships

Fashion District was thrilled to attend the official launch of the Tailoring Academy earlier this month. Located on the Crusader […]

28 Nov 2019

The Trampery’s Sustainable Fashion Accelerator Launches!

The second cohort of companies and individuals to be accepted into The Trampery’s Sustainable Fashion Accelerator (SFA), were announced last night at the official launch of the innovative […]

06 Nov 2019

Sparkbox Wins Retail Futures!

Sparkbox Wins Retail Futures! We are delighted to announce the first prize for the Retail Futures Fashion District Innovation Challenge Prize 2019 was awarded to Lindsay Fisher, co-founder of Sparkbox, […]

29 Oct 2019

APPLY: POPLAR WORKS

Applications are now open for the next development within the Fashion District: POPLAR WORKS! Opening in East London in November, it is a proud collaboration between Poplar HARCA, London College of Fashion, UAL and […]

24 Oct 2019

Retail Futures: Critical Friends Development Session

Retail Futures: Critical Friends Development Session. As the next stage of the challenge, we invited our nine finalists to attend a critical friends development workshop where start- […]

24 Oct 2019

EVENT: Centre For Sustainable Fashion Better Lives Lecture Series

Centre For Sustainable Fashion Better Lives Lecture Series 30 October 2019, 6 – 9pm. The second event in the 2019 Better Lives […]

23 Oct 2019

RETAIL FUTURES SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

RETAIL FUTURES SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED We are delighted to announce that the judging panel has selected nine start-ups who will pitch in the finals of the Retail Futures: Fashion District Innovation […]

27 Aug 2019

APPLY: Arbeit Studios Leyton Green

APPLY: Arbeit Studios Leyton Green A collaborative project between Waltham Forest Council, the Fashion District, and London College of Fashion, UAL, Waltham Forest will have its first dedicated fashion hub […]

05 Aug 2019

Join the Business of Textiles of Fashion, Textiles & Technology Partnership Network

Join the BFTT Network and have your say shaping the future sustainable development of the fashion industry. The Business of […]

05 Aug 2019

London Fashion Fund Opens To Applications

London Fashion Fund Opens To Applications The London Fashion Fund is now OPEN for applications from 30th July to November 5th 2019. Round 1: Closing date: August 15th 2019Selection panel […]

01 Aug 2019

RETAIL FUTURES: Fashion District Innovation Challenge Prize 2019 – Applications now open!

In collaboration with the Fashion Innovation Agency from London College of Fashion […]

21 Jul 2019

APPLY NOW: DeFINE Fashion-Tech Mentoring Programme

DeFINE is thrilled to announce the launch of applications for the 8 month Mentoring Programme, designed for fashion-tech start-ups and SMEs. We are […]

21 Jul 2019

SPACE: Free Studio Space & Business Support for UAL/CFE Alumni at Poplar Works!

Poplar Works is a new space within the Fashion District, will be a new […]

01 Jul 2019

EVENT: Retail Futures Fashion District Innovation Challenge Prize 2019

RETAIL FUTURES: FASHION DISTRICT INNOVATION CHALLENGE PRIZE 2019! Launch Event: 30 July 2019, 6 – 8.30pm […]

19 Jun 2019

EVENT: Eastworks Fashion Shared Internship Programme

The Fashion District is now delighted to announce that in collaboration with the London Legacy Development Corporation and A New Direction, we will be launching […]

16 May 2019

INCREDIBLE GIRLS OF THE FUTURE: Yoox-Net-A-Porter Competition

PORTER and YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP believe in a world where everyone can reach their potential without barriers, and now want to inspire more Incredible Girls to become […]

09 May 2019

FUNDING CALL: BFTT R&D SME SUPPORT PROGRAMME

FUNDING CALL: BFTT R&D SME SUPPORT PROGRAMME Are you running a successful business in the fashion, textiles and/or related technology sector and have an idea that you think could take […]

09 May 2019

Rahemur Rahman wins Outstanding Achievements Award at British Bangladeshi Fashion Council Award 2019

Rahemur Rahman wins Outstanding […]

29 Apr 2019

Open Day: Come visit the new Arbeit Fashion Studios

In partnership with Fashion District and London College of Fashion, and LB Waltham Forest, Arbeit Studios is launching a new creative fashion hub on Market Parade, 778 to […]

30 Mar 2019

APPLY: DeFINE Retail-Tech 2 Day Bootcamp – June 5th & 6th

DeFINE (Developing a Fashion-tech Innovation Network for Europe) is a three year collaborative project co-funded by the European Commission’s COSME programme which […]

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