Last week we welcomed 16 international fashion designers to spend a week in residence for intensive business development. The IFS Residencies develop diverse fashion talent for the future in both in business and as creatives.
The 16 IFS designers
The week included a series of talks and workshops with industry professionals, covering topics from finance and accounting, to sustainable fabrics, marketing and social media. Below we share some highlights from the week.
Monday
Materials used in workshop around fashion curation
On Monday designers learned about Object Presentations and had an introduction to exhibitions with Alison Moloney. They also took part in a Mastermind session with Richard Hughes-Jones, and Finance and Accounting with Vikram Menon.
Tuesday
“Selling your Range”
On Tuesday there was an In conversation “Selling your Range” with Candice Fragis and Gautam Rajani chaired by Hannah Middleton.
Wednesday
Sustainable fabrics
Wednesday saw the designers exploring sustainable fashion practices. The day included a talk with Anna Fitzpatrick and Gabrielle Miller from the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, a Sustainable Angle fabric workshop with Amanda Johnston, and a visit to Christopher Raeburn’s studio.
Thursday
Susie Bubble in conversation with Andrew Tucker
On Thursday morning the session was around story telling for press and how to present yourself for shows and events with Andrew Tucker and Susie Lau. In the afternoon the designers visited the V&A Musuem to see the fashioned from Nature exhibition.
Friday
Picnic at Fulham Palace with Sarah Mower
The week ended with a morning session around branding, digital strategies and campaigns with Victoria Nyberg Senior Strategy Director Spring Studios, and a social media workshop with Lynsey Fox. In the afternoon the group joined Sarah Mower and MatchesFashion at Fulham Palace for a picnic.