Centre for Fashion Enterprise is pleased to announce the future players in fashion apparel who have joined our Fashion Pioneer Programme:

Progressive underwear brand MARIEYAT, womenswear labels Supriya Lele and Alistair James, streetwear-inspired social project LLSB (Long Live SouthBank) sustainability-focused menswear Bethany Williams, Contemporary menswear brands, DANSHAN and JORDANLUCA and textiles specialists Hours.  

The designers selected for the fashion programme, by a panel including Journalist Jess Bumpus and Label/Mix CEO Gemma Metheringham, reflect the diversification of an industry no longer wedded to gender binaries or the separation of work from social, formal from casualwear. Businesses including Bethany Williams and LLSB also represent CFE’s commitment to nurturing brands and projects with social, environmental and ethical values in their business models.

Supriya Lele, has garnered attention for her refined but youthful womenswear after graduating from three seasons with Fashion East and brings womenswear to the programme along with design duo Nicholas Alistair Walsh and David James Wise’s brand Alistair James. Bethany Williams explores sustainability and social responsibility through menswear, DANSHAN and textiles innovators Hours both explore the emotional side of menswear and JORDANLUCA merges Italian heritage with the raw intensity of London. LLSB’s social project uses their clothing brand and collaborations with the likes Palace Skateboards, to ensure the future of SouthBank Skate Park. MARIEYAT’s hybrid of undergarment and womenswear focuses on seamless silhouettes made from natural materials such as cotton, wool and silk.

‘We are very honoured to be chosen to join the programme. With the help of the CFE team, we hope to take the business to a more professional and sustainable level.’ Marie Yat, MARIEYAT

Starting November 2018, the Fashion Pioneer programme helps designers navigate the complexities of running a fashion SME. The six-month programme meets the specific needs of each business through expert workshops and individual tailored support delivered by industry consultants across, Branding, Digital, Business planning Sales strategy, Production, Finance and Legal.

Image credits: JORDANLUCA – Antonello Trio