London-based workspace network and social hub The Trampery has launched a program to promote environmental stewardship within the city’s fashion industry.
In late November, the group launched its Sustainable Fashion Accelerator (SFA), which it said would focus on integrating ecologically conscious practices and processes into brands’ business models.
Funded by the London Legacy Development Corporation, The Trampery’s new campus of fashion studios at Fish Island Village is the city’s largest collective of like-minded industry entrepreneurs. Built in partnership with The Peabody Trust (with nearly 2 million pounds, or $2.62 million, of funding from the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund), the SFA is led by Vanessa Podmore, an independent expert in supply chain and sustainability, and Tom Farrand, an expert on the circular economy.
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“The Sustainable Fashion Accelerator is an exceptional and visionary addition to the London fashion landscape,” said Podmore. “The combination of beautiful affordable workspace, the bespoke support program for the designer community and the focus on sustainability embedded across the whole enterprise has the potential to fundamentally change the way these businesses emerge and grow and become commercially sustainable for the long term.”
The SFA plans to run a free, six-month bespoke program four times over the next three years, nurturing more than 30 businesses over that time period. The brands that participate are at a stage in their development where they are exploring new product areas, expanding into additional markets or growing their team, according to The Trampery’s website.
Designers must also have demonstrated market relevance by trading in at least one market, must employ between one and five people, and must be based in one of the townships near the program’s East London hub.
The first round of brands includes women’s wear designer Steven Tai Studio, wedding and occasion wear studio We Are Rewritten, women’s apparel brand Sabinna, sustainable underwear brand Lara Intimates, luxury lounge wear brand Leticia Credido, outerwear and accessories designer Sarah Baily and accessory label Been London.
At the SFA’s launch on Nov. 27, a second cohort of brands was announced. Contemporary men’s wear brand Daniel W. Fletcher, women’s wear brand Martina Spetlova, sustainable luxury designer Patrick McDowell, upcycled outerwear brand Paynter Jackets Co., children’s clothing brand Petit Pli, shirt and suit label Wright LeChapelain, accessories and jewelry company Sabry Marouf, and contemporary footwear brand Roker Atelier will take over the Fish Island Village space after the first group’s six-month residency is over.
“As a global fashion capital, London has a huge opportunity to lead the way in sustainability,” deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, Justine Simons OBE, said.
“We must act now and with conviction to reduce our impact on the environment. The Sustainable Fashion Accelerator is a great example of how we can support the next generation of designers to drive genuine change, and I’m proud that we are supporting this important work,” she added.
