Fashion District Festival kicked off in June in Spitalfields E1, bringing together designers, disruptors and changemakers for a packed programme of events that celebrated sustainable, circular and regenerative fashion. The third edition of the festival transformed East London’s Spitalfields into a hub of creativity and innovation – from a Live Performance Showcase and creative making workshops, to thought-provoking talks and a curated pop-up shop featuring the best in sustainable fashion, emerging designers and innovative start-ups.

This year, Fashion District proudly partnered with SXSW London to spotlight global leaders in fashion tech and sustainability. Alongside the programming strands of MAKE, WATCH and SHOP, the festival’s GROW programme returned with a dynamic series of talks, roundtables and networking events aimed at accelerating industry change with an incredible lineup of fashion industry experts, thought leaders, brands and designers.

Ahead of the festival, Mary Fellowes, founder of GreenWith Studios, who chaired several of the festival’s industry roundtables, sat down with Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of College London College of Fashion, Andrew Teverson, to discuss the Fashion District Festival, the importance of industry investing in education and why having a social purpose is a key part of UAL’s vision and mission.

Watch the conversation below.

The partnership marks a unique collaboration between performance and fashion. Drawing on Central’s celebrated Stage Management and Creative Producing courses, the students will be embedded across the festival, working on everything from a live performance showcase, screens content, production logistics and front-of-house. Importantly, they’ll be guided by the principles of the Theatre Green Book – a sustainability framework adopted across theatre and live events – to help ensure this year’s festival runs not only seamlessly, but responsibly.

For the students, it’s a chance to test their training in real time. For the festival, it’s a welcome infusion of talent and energy.

For MA Creative Producing student Emma Aprile, the placement is a welcome opportunity to step outside the classroom and into the fast-paced world of real events. “This opportunity will allow me to test my knowledge and skills in a real-world, very diverse environment,” she explains. “Being involved in such a multifaceted festival is a great way to put theory into practice and grow as a creative producer.” She’s particularly looking forward to the Live Performance Showcase, adding, “I can’t wait to discover new designers and help bring their vision to life.

Fellow MA student Stephen Stamps sees the festival as a valuable way to explore creative production beyond traditional theatre. “This opportunity will help broaden my knowledge beyond the theatre world,” he says. “I recognise that brand activation is a vital part of immersive work, so gaining insights into how that plays out at a large-scale public festival is incredibly valuable.” With a background in international study, he’s also excited to feel more embedded in the London creative scene: “I’m genuinely excited about being part of something so community-oriented.”

For undergraduate students specialising in Stage Management, the opportunity offers a chance to scale up their craft and see how their skills translate to unconventional spaces.

“Much of my work at Central has focused on theatre and live performance,” says Bea Hart, “so I was very excited to work on a different kind of event. In a festival setup, the public is a lot closer to the workings of the event, so there’s a different skillset involved in how you present your work.” She likens it to inviting the audience on stage: “There needs to be slick integration between backstage and front of house. By working on the festival, I hope to develop both sets of skills to become a more well-rounded practitioner.”

Bea is also particularly drawn to the festival’s opening showcase in Spitalfields Market. “To be able to occupy such an iconic London space is such a unique opportunity. I think it will really set the tone for the week and celebrate the brilliant work coming out of the industry right now.” She’s also looking forward to facilitating workshops, especially those focused on circular fashion. “The sharing of knowledge is really valuable when it comes to achieving sustainable goals.”

For Ethan Burke, the festival is a chance to gain experience in a field that’s not often represented in his training. “This will give me valuable experience working on both a festival and a fashion event – two areas we don’t usually get to explore in practice,” he says. “It will really open my eyes to what’s possible.” Ethan is eager to apply his communication and management skills across multiple sites, while learning how large-scale events operate in real time. “I’ve mainly focused on getting one space perfect,” he adds. “This is a chance to understand how to work across many.”

Reflecting the students’ sentiments, Dr Kathrine Sandys, Principal Lecturer and Knowledge Exchange and Scholarship Leader in the Department of Producing, at Central, adds, “This is a great partnership opportunity where both organisations share the values of exploring and promoting sustainable practices. Working alongside Fashion District to support this event enables us to exchange knowledge around the running, organising and production of festivals and pop-ups whilst exploring where the appetite for applying our practices from the Theatre Green Book might emerge within the sector. I’m personally looking forward to the pioneering and innovative thinking we will discover through the week of presentations, workshops and events.”

In a calm corner of Hackney Wick, surrounded by worktables, fabrics and half-finished garments, Asya Ter-Hovakimyan is quietly reviving a tradition the fashion world is at risk of losing. As the founder of Omniss and Omnifix, her work bridges contemporary design and the dying craft of garment repair, offering a new vision for the future of fashion.

Asya’s journey began not with catwalks or magazines but through a deep love of making. Growing up in an Armenian family, she learned traditional embroidery techniques from the age of five and began upcycling clothes long before it became mainstream. “It was very organic,” she says. “And rooted in craft.” After studying at London College of Fashion, she and her co-founder Francisco Zhou launched Omniss, initially following the traditional path of wholesale and runway shows.

A shift toward direct-to-consumer pop-ups changed everything. “It’s much easier to convince the customer who loves your product than the industry, which is still full of biases,” she says. It taught them that personal connection, not industry validation, was the real driver of their brand.

Omnifix, the repair arm of the business, grew almost by accident during the pandemic when clients began asking for help with sentimental pieces. “The skill of making clothes properly is disappearing in the UK,” Asya says. “Dry cleaners can handle small fixes, but real construction knowledge is rare.” Her team approaches repairs like makers, not tailors, understanding how a garment was built and restoring it with care.

“Our studio is unique because a seamstress who once made designer dresses might work alongside a recent fashion graduate who hasn’t been properly taught how garments are constructed,” she says. “They exchange knowledge. I think this is one of the ways we begin to solve the problems fashion faces, by encouraging collaboration at the making stage.” Through Omnifix, she hopes to reconnect people with the often overlooked craftsmanship behind what they wear.

Her experience joining the first cohort of Evo Fashion, Fashion District’s programme for emerging brands, helped sharpen that mission. “It was like therapy for the brand,”” she says. “It gave me perspective, helped refine our storytelling and encouraged me to trust our approach.”

At this year’s Fashion District Festival, Omnifix will run a Repair Clinic, inviting the public to bring garments for mending and learn the skills to care for their wardrobes. “Once people understand the effort behind a repair, they start valuing their clothes differently,” she says.

Looking ahead, Omniss is preparing to launch a new capsule knitwear collection this autumn, building on one of its best-selling product lines. Omnifix is also expanding its reach, including a partnership with East London brand Percival to offer specialist tailoring services.

At a time when much of fashion is speeding toward ever faster cycles of production and consumption, Asya Ter-Hovakimyan is offering something more enduring. Her work is a reminder that fashion, at its best, is not just about what is seen on the surface, but about what is carefully built, and carefully preserved, behind the seams.

At The Materialist’s Regent Street showroom, the energy is palpable. Fabric samples hang on rails around the room, the team moves between meetings and a few remaining croissants and fruit hint at the industry breakfast they hosted earlier that morning. It is a space that feels alive with ideas, a fitting home for a business founded on the principle that fashion’s future lies in rethinking the materials already at hand.

Liv Khan, who co-founded The Materialist during the upheaval of the pandemic, did not come to fashion through the traditional route. “I studied history and economics,” she says, “but I always loved the world of fashion and knew I wanted to start my own business.” After running a warehousing operation for fashion brands, she encountered a persistent problem: excess fabric rolls piling up with nowhere to go. “Brands didn’t know what to do with it. Some asked if we could throw it away. That’s when I realised the scale of the waste and the opportunity.”

Her co-founder, Lavinia Santovetti, also arrived in fashion from a different world. After more than a decade working in finance, she had launched an accessories brand just before the pandemic. A visit to a manufacturer’s factory in Italy became a turning point. “I saw piles of gorgeous leather left behind by big brands,” Lavinia says. “It was a wake-up call.” Introduced through a mutual connection, Liv and Lavinia quickly discovered they shared a vision for a more resourceful, sustainable approach to fashion.

Together, they built The Materialist to offer an alternative. By connecting brands with surplus fabrics to new buyers, the company created a new ecosystem where excess materials could find new life rather than going to landfill. “At the beginning, deadstock was a dirty secret,” Liv says. “No one wanted to talk about it. Brands and mills denied having any. But we worked with what we had: setting up donation programmes, starting conversations, knocking on a lot of doors.”

Persistence paid off. Today, The Materialist works with a growing network of designers and manufacturers and attitudes towards deadstock have shifted. “Now it’s almost cool,” Liv says. “People are proud to use excess materials. But we are careful. It can’t just be a trend. It has to become a fundamental part of how the industry operates.”

Opening a physical showroom helped solidify their mission. “It changed everything,” Liv says. “People can come here, see the quality for themselves and understand that deadstock isn’t old, damaged or outdated. It’s beautiful, high-quality fabric, and it deserves to be used.” Success stories include everything from emerging brands sourcing materials to Vivienne Westwood featuring Materialist-sourced fabric on the runway at Paris Fashion Week this February.

Both founders are clear about the challenges of running a purpose-driven business. “You can’t do everything perfectly,” Liv says. “But you can be honest. That transparency is what builds trust. The old culture of secrecy in fashion is changing, and businesses have to be open about their challenges as well as their successes.”

This year, The Materialist is partnering with the Fashion District Festival as our official Fabrics Partner, generously donating fabrics to be used in workshops across the festival programme. “Fashion District embodies everything we believe in,” Liv says. “It’s about sharing ideas, building networks and supporting sustainable change.”

Looking ahead, The Materialist is preparing for a major move to a larger space, where they hope to expand access and welcome walk-ins. “We want to work with everyone,” Liv says. “Big brands, small brands – anyone who wants to do things better.”

For Alexander Whitley, dance has never been bound by conventional rules. As the founder of the Alexander Whitley Dance Company (AWDC), he has spent the past decade redefining the art form, using cutting-edge technology to push contemporary dance into new dimensions. “Dance has always been a highly collaborative discipline,” he says. “It relies on contributions from many other fields – costuming, music, lighting – and synthesising them into a cohesive performance. My work with technologists and digital creatives brings the same spirit of collaboration.”

Whitley’s company, an artist-led creative studio, has built an international reputation for its fusion of physical performance and digital innovation. His latest collaboration brings AWDC into the orbit of the Fashion District Festival, where his production at the live Performance Showcase will blend fashion, choreography and technology. “It’s an exciting opportunity,” he says, “to showcase the latest trends and work with artists at the forefront of fashion design who are finding creative solutions to the challenges of sustainability.

Whitley is particularly interested in the ways technology is shifting how dance is experienced. “I’m excited about interactive and immersive technologies that enable the public to take more active roles in dance experiences,” he says. “These innovations blur the boundaries between performers and spectators, and open up new possibilities for storytelling and audience engagement.”

In an era where digital technology is deeply embedded in daily life, AWDC’s work feels like a glimpse into the future – one where movement is not just performed but experienced in ways that defy tradition. “Our work is about pushing the boundaries of dance,” Whitley says. And with his vision for the Performance Showcase, it’s clear he’s doing exactly that.

Louisa Hicks believes that the magic of digital screens is not just in their size or spectacle – it’s in their ability to create moments of connection. As a leading force behind C-Screens, the UK’s largest outdoor TV broadcaster, she is on a mission to enliven public spaces and transform everyday environments into must-visit destinations. “We aim to entertain the general public as they go about their daily lives,” she says.

The intersection of digital technology and audience engagement is at the core of C-Screens’ approach. “Large digital screens don’t just create a visual impact, they deliver a magical, cinematic experience,” Hicks says. But it’s more than just spectacle – digital technology plays a crucial role in forging meaningful connections with audiences. With interactive features like QR codes, the public can engage more deeply: learning about the clothes they see on screen, virtually trying on outfits or even appearing on the big screen themselves. “Audiences are increasingly looking for interactive experiences,” she adds. “We help facilitate that.”

This year, C-Screens is Fashion District Festival’s screen and content provider. Its audio-enabled screens will broadcast the festival’s live fashion Performance Showcase, as well as event highlights throughout the week. “It’s an ideal match,” Hicks explains. “We’re providing Fashion District Festival with a platform to promote their wonderful festival. In turn, we get to be part of a forward-thinking initiative, supporting both established and emerging talent in the UK fashion industry.”

As she looks ahead to the festival, Hicks is particularly excited to see how the Performance Showcase will unfold on the big screen. “Personally, I’m keen to pick up practical ideas as both a consumer and a shopper, whether it’s finding new styles or learning about upcycling while staying on trend. I love the idea of communities coming together to share ideas, overcome challenges in the industry and support new designers and businesses,” she says. “Spitalfields is the heart of East London fashion and it’s a privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking initiative.”

I am the Estate Communications and Events Operations Manager for Spitalfields E1, one of London’s most historic markets in the heart of the city. A key part of my role is shaping and executing the overall strategy to drive footfall, ensuring that Spitalfields continues to attract diverse audiences and remains a thriving hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. I also oversee communications and PR/marketing efforts. By fostering collaborations and partnerships with local businesses, artists, and communities, we create a unique and ever-evolving experience that makes Spitalfields a must-visit destination for Londoners and tourists alike.

Spitalfields E1 provides a dynamic platform for emerging designers, independent brands, and innovative thinkers to showcase their work. As a hub where heritage meets contemporary style, we foster an environment that encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Through partnerships like Fashion District Festival, we offer designers and fashion businesses the opportunity to engage with new audiences, gain visibility, and connect with industry professionals.  Our curated events, pop-ups, and activations give creatives a physical space to bring their ideas to life – whether through live fashion shows, interactive workshops, or retail experiences.

Spitalfields offers something that online experiences simply cannot replicate – a vibrant, sensory, and community-driven atmosphere. People don’t just visit Spitalfields to shop and dine; they come for the energy, the community, and the unexpected moments of discovery – like finding a one-of-a-kind fashion piece or a new favourite street food dish from a global cuisine – that makes every visit unique. Fashion District Festival further enhances this appeal by bringing creativity to life through in-person workshops, fashion performances, and networking opportunities.

Working with Fashion District Festival allows us to celebrate London’s fashion scene while supporting emerging designers and fostering a strong sense of community – values that are at the heart of what we do at Spitalfields E1. By hosting fashion performance shows, pop-up activations, and interactive workshops, we create opportunities for visitors to engage with fashion in an exciting, immersive way.

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 experience with physical and digital runways, the showcase also featured interviews with participating designers and creators about the future of the fashion industry. Scroll down to watch the full live broadcast below. 

@papi_oyp

Hosted by the fabulous Gemma Care, styled by George Oxby and Angus Cockram from AGRO Studio, and featuring Tanya Tan from Flair Fashion and Joy Craig from Alterist (who were featured in our Festival Pop-Up Shop), the iconic Spitalfields Market set the stage for an unforgettable display of artistry.

Curated by AGRO Studio and Lee Lapthorne from ON/OFF, the show featured London’s most promising emerging designers, showcasing their upcycled, recycled, and sustainable creations.

Lee Lapthorne said, “The ambition of the show is to really support East London talent. We’ve done that by creating a showcase that brings together the true creativity of East London… with a vision of upcycling, recycling, and sustainability. That’s what the industry is driving towards – supporting the planet and the talent that’s here.”

@papi_oyp

Not stopping there, the event also celebrated visionary designers from the rapidly developing digital fashion space. Filmmaker Oscar Keene curated a digital runway, presenting stunning garments from emerging digital designers.

Janey Park, the brilliant brand strategist and content creator, shared her insight into the future of fashion, emphasising collaboration, co-creation, and community. “It’s just fashion at the end of the day. It’s going to be the norm,” Janey remarked, envisioning a seamless blend of digital and physical fashion.

Matt Flynn

The showcase featured interviews with the designers and creators, all united in their mission to revolutionise the future of fashion. Passionate about combining community, processes, techniques, and technology, their dedication to helping create a better industry and world was truly inspiring.

Hannah from Alterist said, “We hope to be a home for all emerging designers within the upcycling space. We want to continue our mission to reduce textile waste and build a positive impact on the planet.”

George Oxby and Angus Cockram from AGRO Studio shed light on the joy and challenges of repurposing materials. “It’s definitely a fun challenge because our job is multifaceted,” Angus added, illustrating their creative process.

Watch the full showcase video here:

Credits to the brilliant minds behind the showcase:

Art direction: Lee Lapthorne, ON/OFF; Styling: AGRO Studio – George Oxby and Angus Cockram; Casting: Sarah Whisker; Production: Congo Blue; Digital Film: Oscar Keene; DJ Set: Jono Jury; Hair by Mark Woolley, Electric Hair, and L’Oreal Professionnel ID Artists; Make-up by Mus Emin.

Designers:

Clementine Baldo, Joshua James Small, Maximilian Raynor, Gyouree Kim, AGRO Studio, Master Bunny, Raquel De Carvalho, Anciela, Buerlangma, Ewelina Szymanska, Florentina Leitner, Kata Haratym, Brian De Carvalho, Maison Lumiere, Paloma Suarez, Cameron Hancock, BELLADONIS, Oscar Keene.

Digital garments:

Oscar Keene, Stephy Fung, Institute of Digital Fashion, Diane Wallinger, House of Autonomy, Roksanda.

Digital Videos / Stills:

Institute of Digital Fashion, The Fabricant, Syky, Stephy Fung, House of Autonomy, Diane Wallinger, Pearl, Sam J, Jacqueline Jade, Morchen, Kapers, Leanne Roksanda, Selene, Miss Mojo, Chrryt, Laura Troncota, Magdalena Mitusinska.

A huge thank you to Feral Film and Broadcast, UAL: London College of Fashion, and our core partners C-Screens and Spitalfields for making this amazing event a reality.