- Words and images by Hannah Cruickshank
Goal & objective
To decentralise the fashion industry, changing consumer habits and mindsets surrounding the disposability of clothes. A secondary objective is to re-establish a culture of knowledge-sharing in the borough of Hackney, where fashion and textile industries have suffered as a result of manufacture being outsourced to other countries. The development of machinery has privatised the skills associated with textiles, making it difficult as well as expensive for a start-up to gain the knowledge and/or equipment.
Strategy
By co-locating the various elements of the fashion supply chain in a singular building, it evolves into a circular economy. Creating a framework for new businesses to establish themselves into a craft economy with immediate access to a wide range of skills, machinery and professions. The local community and transient visitors will be given the resources to gain consciousness about the value of clothes and textiles.
Impact
For the craftspeople who work there, it will facilitate creative professional development, knowledge-sharing and collaboration. At the same time expanding the consumer base and physical platforms of the small or independent businesses, who would otherwise operate behind digital infrastructures such as Etsy. Viewing the circular supply chain in effect will enable consumers to make responsible decisions about the origin of their clothes; to take a second look at fast fashion brands; and contribute to the sustainable cycle of clothes.
Site location
Morning Lane, London Borough of Hackney, E9 6LH
Client
London Urban Textile Commons in partnership with London Borough of Hackney
