We are excited to announce the fantastic cohort of businesses that will be taking part in our latest free, business support programme, Forge Fashion.

Forge Fashion aims to support fashion and textile businesses in the London Borough of Waltham Forest to thrive sustainably – both environmentally and financially – during Covid recovery and beyond, through workshops, one-to-one advice and networking. The 30 businesses who have enrolled onto the programme, taking place between October and December 2020, come from a mix of new and existing businesses from across the fields of fashion and textiles. Through the programme each participant will gain a better understanding of the strengths in their businesses, the chance to extend their network and create a bespoke action plan for sustainable growth.

So, who is on board? From couture design studios, to children’s clothing brands, we are delighted to welcome a diverse array of businesses:

And They Wear; Baitaari Design; Bandit Circus; Black Pearl Vintage; By Kala x; East London Baby Co; Flingo and Swollop; Gems Dean; Humeera Dar; London Cushions; Mothers Hub; ONE∃; Slow Moon; Style2perfection Boutique; The Little Swap Shop; They Shout Hello; Vintage Akimbo; Cheekyhandmades; Feral Crayon; Forest Recycling Project; Helen Anthony Ltd; Justine Couture London; Kate Barbour; Knitster LDN; Nevo Concept Image & Style Consultancy; Olwen Bourke; OM baby; Retold Vintage; Sean Pines Photography; Wild Myths.

The programme kicked off with the first #ForgeFashion networking event on Thursday 22 October, focusing on ways to make fashion production more sustainable and incorporating recycling and repair into business models. Although the business support programme is only offered to pre-selected cohorts, the Networking events are open to anyone who is interested in attending.

Stay tuned for further information on our cohort’s progress throughout the programme.

Forge Fashion is delivered by Creative United, Stuart Balmer, Nigel Rust and the Hive Collective, in partnership with Waltham Forest Council and The Fashion District.