This partnership aims to ignite the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, offering a dynamic platform for up-and-coming fashion designers to hone their craft.
This innovative initiative will furnish six state-of-the-art studios within a 5,000-square-foot area, providing a conducive environment for aspiring fashion designers to expand their business acumen and creative prowess. The project, supported by the City of London Corporation, is poised to position the Square Mile as a pivotal hub within London’s flourishing fashion scene, further stimulating growth within the city’s esteemed creative sectors.
Over three years, the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield will welcome three different cohorts, each consisting of six designers. These designers will be granted 400 square feet of studio space for a year, at no cost, alongside invaluable mentorship from industry stalwarts and comprehensive business training.
Perched above the Meat Market in Smithfield’s Northwest Quadrant, the hub’s design, courtesy of Projekt, will include private studios for residents, complemented by additional amenities such as a media suite, event spaces, and a photography studio.
The initiative has garnered substantial financial backing from the Mayor of London and Projekt, with each contributing £175,000 towards rental costs and studio fittings. Paul Smith’s Foundation is set to curate a bespoke mentoring program, pairing designers with seasoned professionals to solidify their business foundations for future endeavors.
Participants can look forward to an enriching curriculum encompassing workshops, seminars, and personalized tutoring, covering over 40 hours of crucial business knowledge across various domains.
British GQ is also throwing its support behind the initiative, offering networking opportunities and guidance on branding and digital expansion.
This venture aligns with the Mayor of London’s ongoing commitment to bolster the capital’s creative industries, which have historically been a driving force in the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open, with the move-in date slated for the week of June 24. A panel of industry experts and mentors will pre-select candidates, with the final selection made by a panel including Paul Smith himself.
Paul Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the foundation’s goal to create opportunities and offer practical advice to creative minds. The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield stands as a testament to nurturing early-career designers, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.
Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical role of creative industries in London’s economic and cultural vitality. This residency program is a strategic investment in the future of fashion, promising a brighter, more innovative London.