Scope
Fashion Open Studio uses an action research approach to showcase the work of young fashion designers around the world, giving them a platform to present their creative responses to fashion’s environmental impact and the themes of adaption and resilience, and nature. Activities include studio tours, demos, workshops, exhibition tours, films and sewing circle discussions.
Innovative approach
- The project proposes a whole new industry agenda, by promoting industry transparency and longevity through authentic narratives that resonate with consumers and creatives.
- By opening their studios to the public and showcasing the people who make their clothes, their production processes and solutions to specific challenges, the designers are contributing towards important shifts across the industry.
- The process promotes a level of transparency, holding designers accountable at every step of the way.
Supporting young people
The project nurtures new voices and promotes collaboration between young designers. Through virtual showcases and workshops, they gain a global audience for their work, and have a platform to discuss how to take action and celebrate the possibility of a fairer, cleaner, more respectful industry – one which caters to people’s clothing needs, without perpetuating the wasteful, polluting and exploitative aspects currently present in the industry.
Contributing to climate action
Fashion Open Studio encourages collaboration between fashion weeks and fashion designers to include and foster alternative solutions and, ultimately, minimise their collective environmental impact. It enables international discussions on climate change, and informs new pedagogical models to address climate programming and new ways to help young people contribute to shared climate goals.
Reinforcing COP26 priorities
The project promotes the sharing of best practice, drives creativity and examines the critical role architecture, design, fashion and craft can play in shaping our collective future. It promotes the importance of site-specificity when discussing climate action, and the need to nurture cross-cultural perspectives.
Who’s involved?
Fashion Open Studio is an event series from Fashion Revolution, and works with emerging designers, established trailblazers and major stakeholders. Partners include V&A Museum, British Textile Biennale, London Craft Week, Lagos Fashion Week, Jakarta Fashion Week and Lakme Fashion Week.
Why the British Council?
As trusted cultural facilitators, the British Council uses its creative expertise to strengthen global research collaborations. We also draw on our vast experience of working with young people and our trusted network of stakeholders across the design and climate sectors – in the UK and globally.
Contact James.Perkins@britishcouncil.org for more information.