Today, University of the Arts London announced a specialist Virtual Production (VP) and XR Lab facility through its Fashion Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI). It will create the capacity for innovative, transdisciplinary practice-led research in VP/XR textiles and dress. The new FTTI lab will be located at UAL’s new East Bank campus (2023) to address […]
The University of the Arts London (UAL) is recruiting for a Deputy Director for the Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI). The role will support the FTTI Director with the strategic planning, operation, and profiling of the Institute’s research activity, research funding, R&D, and specialist Postgraduate research provision. They will work in consultation with UAL […]
Doppelhaus, have collaborated with British shoe brand Grenson to develop a Made in England sneaker using the innovative non-woven Cloudwool® material. Through a BFTT-funded creative R&D project, Doppelhaus successfully developed a fully traceable supply chain for British wool and improved the performance attributes of the non-woven material through partnerships with innovative technology providers and UK-based […]
In partnership with British Council, the UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI) announced six winners of the second round of New Landscapes: FTTCatalyst R&D Grant Scheme. Spanning the UK, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Philippines, and Malaysia, the six UK Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and their overseas partners will work with UAL FTTI and […]
Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, one of the BFTT-funded SMEs, will launch a first-of-its-kind R&D denim wash lab in London this month. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools powered by Tonello – to allow the production of distinctive denim that captures the essence of a unique ‘UK Aesthetic’. Furthermore, they will showcase some of […]
The BFTT will present Made in Code: Reimagining the Experience of Fashion between Friday, 24 March and Monday, 27 March 2023, at the V&A. The installation presents a state-of-the-art creative and technical collaboration, showcasing the potential of digital media in fashion, performance, film, games, archives and cultural contexts. Visitors can participate in the exciting prototype digital […]
BFTT’s Director, Prof. Jane Harris, Deputy Director, Prof. Kate Goldsworthy, and Co-I, Prof. Veronika Kapsali, joined the Future Textiles 2023 Conference as keynote speakers during the Sustainable Textiles Manufacturing and Circular Economy sessions. The conference provides a forum for collaborative discussions to address academic and industry challenges, develop future clothing for the next generation, and facilitate the rapid […]
One of the BFTT-funded SMEs, Ananas Anam, presented at the Lineapelle – an international exhibition of leather, accessories, components, fabrics, and synthetics. Ananas Anam is the company that invented the plant-based Piñatex®, a vegan textile made from pineapple leaf fibre waste. More recently, Ananas Anam researched and developed Piñayarn for use in the fashion and textiles industry; the natural fibres […]
Following a successful pilot programme in 2022, applications for the next round of New Landscapes: Catalyst Research & Development Grant Scheme are now open. The pilot programme was launched in October 2021 as a collaboration between UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (UAL FTTI), British Council and five Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries to promote the […]
This report by our partner, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), examines the climate emergency in the creative industries’ sub-sectors. These sub-sectors include advertising, architecture, crafts, design, fashion design, film and television, music, performing arts, publishing, video games and visual arts. The report provides insights, drivers and […]
Ananas Anam, one of the BFTT-funded SMEs, is launching Piñayarn®, which offers a 100% plant-based, recyclable, and biodegradable textile solution to the fashion and textiles industry. Through waste valorisation, Piñayarn® reduces the amount of burnt pineapple leaves, saving up to 6 kg of CO2 emissions from being released into the atmosphere per 1 kg of yarn […]
We are delighted to release the worksheets and guidebook from the BFTT’s Challenge 3, Re-Modelling Fashion. ReModelling Futures Method is a framework built in collaboration with ASOS, Petit Pli, Phoebe English, Save Your Wardrobe, and students from global institutions. The framework and guidebook take users through the stages of the design process and embeds speculative scenario-building in the […]
Our R&D Project Lead, Laura Solomon, presented a poster titled, ‘Ananas Anam expands its products and a vision on regenerative business modelling’ at this year’s Beyond Conference Poster Exhibition. The Beyond Conference brings together researchers, makers, and investors across the creative industries to explore the relationship between creative research and business innovation. Laura’s poster highlighted her […]
Ananas Anam, one of the BFTT-funded SMEs that invented Piñatex® – a sustainable vegan alternative to leather made using pineapple leaf fibres won the Innovation of the Year Award. The 16 finalists and 6 winners in the UAL Knowledge Exchange Staff Awards 2022 were announced by Professor David Mba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Knowledge Exchange and […]
The UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI, UAL) and the British Council launched their final New Landscapes: Catalyst R&D Grant Scheme report today. The thirty pages report highlights the key findings, recommendations, and case studies of five SME projects funded through the scheme. The bespoke pilot programme was launched in October last year as […]
A paper on ‘Referencing Historical Practices and Emergent Technologies in the Future Development of Sustainable Textiles: A Case Study Exploring “Ardil”, a UK-Based Regenerated Protein Fibre’ was published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). The research paper was produced by the BFTT researchers Hannah Auerbach George, Dr Joseph Houghton (both Postdoctoral Research Fellows) and Marie Stenton (PhD […]
Zero Waste Scotland is administering a new £2 million fund, backed by the Scottish Government to help reduce the environmental impact of textiles. The fund aims to support the development of circular supply chains in Scotland and help businesses achieve net zero. The Circular Textiles Fund can help businesses in Scotland implement innovative circular projects […]
Participate in this survey conducted by Marie Stenton, our PhD student in Challenge 6 – Rethinking Material Resources on Consumer Pre-conception of Fast Fashion and Garment Quality. An important part of the research is to enquire where and how the Regenerative Protein fibres (RPFs) might fit within our current fashion and textile systems; Therefor the […]
Our researchers Dr Joe Houghton and Hannah Auerbach George, both Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Marie Stenton, our PhD student in Challenge 6 – Rethinking Material Resources presented at the 26th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference in Reston, USA. They highlighted the importance of reproductive protein fibres (RPFs) throughout history and the current developments in research […]
BFTT and Future Fashion Factory are launching a joint survey targeting micro and small enterprises in the UK. Take part in the survey here (max 15 minutes). The aim of the survey is to find out the present state of affair and the attitudes towards the future of UK companies, entrepreneurs and professionals in the fashion, […]
The BFTT SME Programme has recently awarded research and development funding to iinouiio – a pioneering UK textile recycling business. In March 2022, iinouiio became part of UK based Camira Group – a global fabric manufacturer with a far-reaching and longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable products, and responsible processes. Together, the two companies will […]
We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager to work across five Universities, V&A, and over 30 industry partners and collaborators. The Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT) is looking for a highly motivated individual to significantly contribute to the success of a major AHRC-funded research project involving collaborations with academics, industry and […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a Post Graduate or Post-Doctoral Researcher (or equivalent demonstrable industry experience) to work as the R&D Project Lead, facilitating a novel collaborative project between William Clark & Sons and the UAL Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology Creative R&D Partnership. The principal aim of the project is to modernise […]
Fashion District is hosting an Investment Pitcha Kucha at The Lab E20, East Village, on Thursday 7th April from 18:00 – 20:00, where selected businesses will present to a panel of investors and industry innovators, who will provide friendly, quick-fire feedback. The Pecha Kucha style format means that each business will have 3-4 minutes to pitch to […]
Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) at the University of Leeds has nine fully-funded PhD opportunities. Doctoral research students in LITAC will pursue research that advances the disciplines of textile technology, textile and fashion design, polymer science, and colour science and technology to find solutions to global challenges using advanced research tools and techniques. […]
The Senior R&D Fellow will have a strategic role in developing the UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI). It is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field or industry. The postholder will have experience in successfully working across a range of academic expertise and UKRI […]
Base b is a collaborative R&D project between Textile Studio Dash & Miller and digital design consultant Jessica Garvey Birch, supported by the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT). The project aims to investigate how digital interventions can be used to create a cleaner, more transparent and accessible textile industry. The company is looking to hear about experiences […]
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched a new platform called Creative Innovation, showcasing how the industry is being transformed through landmark, high-value R&D (research and development) funding programmes such as the Creative Industries Clusters Programme (CICP) and Audience of the Future, convening UK wide teams of industry and cross-disciplinary academics. In this article, you can read more on the importance of […]
Are you a researcher with proven abilities to carry out research in the field of fashion and textiles? Do you have the expertise to support and complement research related to the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the UK fashion and textile industry? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s […]
Due to Covid-19, advances in digital technology, and climate change, a marked shift in consumer demand has opened the door to a wider evolving fashion and textiles experience economy. Two surveys have been created to help understand digitally produced experiences organised by cultural institutions, alongside what you may like to see and experience in the […]
Following an open call for proposals in September 2021, The UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI) in partnership with the British Council are pleased to announce five UK and Official Development Assistance (ODA) country SME partnerships. These partnerships will share £100k in funding and business support for sustainable design and production under the New Landscapes: Fashion, Textiles and Technology (FTT) Catalyst R&D Grant […]
Dr Kate Goldsworthy is the Deputy Director of the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT), and a BFTT Co-Investigator for Challenge 5 – Circular Materials. She has been appointed Professor of Circular Design and Innovation at the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she is also the Co-Director of the Centre for Circular Design. Dr […]
In October, we announced the companies participating in the final two cohorts of the SME R&D Programme. We are now delighted to welcome the R&D Project Leads that will support the delivery of the projects. Stephanie Rolph joins Dash & Miller + Jessica Garvey Brich Elizabeth Ciokajlo joins Grady & Robinson + Phoebe English Alice Timmis joins Iinouiio Debbie Bamford joins Keracol + Bulmer […]
We are recruiting for a post-doctoral researcher (or industry equivalent experience) to lead on a project with William Clark & Sons within the SME R&D Support Programme. William Clark & Sons is Ireland’s oldest surviving linen mill having established in 1736. They are the last commercial beetlers in the world; a historic mechanical process involving the […]
BFTT post-doctoral researcher Dr Laetitia Forst and PhD student Marie Stenton presented at the Waste-me-not Symposium, hosted by the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. The symposium explored whether waste can be permanently designed out of the fashion lifecycle. It focussed on three interconnected themes, i.e. Material Waste, Circular Strategies, and Social […]
BFTT Director, Prof Jane Harris, and Deputy Director, Dr Kate Goldsworthy, presented at the Sustainable Consumption Conference – Post COP26. They discussed how BFTT is working with Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to develop an entire fashion, textiles and technology ecosystem throughout the UK. Other contributors included WRAP UK, Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the University of the […]
Dr Kate Goldsworthy and Professor Dilys William participated in the Climate Emergency Network Roundtable – in response to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference. Kate is BFTT’s Deputy Director and Co-Investigator of Challenge 5 – Circular Materials, while Dilys is Co-Investigator of Challenge 3 – ReModelling Fashion: design practices and business models for sustainability. Other panel members included Professor […]
Our Director, Prof Jane Harris chaired a panel at this year’s Beyond Conference to discuss tools that are required to support the next generation of designers and fashion entrepreneurs as they navigate new markets in the fashion metaverse. Additionally, our Deputy Director, Dr Kate Goldsworthy presented case studies of SMEs who are using recycled or […]
We are recruiting for two new positions to work across the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology and the UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute. The SME R&D Manager will have a leading role with the FTTI, and will also deliver and build upon the established BFTT SME R&D Programme with an award portfolio of c. […]
Sandy Black, who is Professor of Fashion & Textile Design & Technology in the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, University of the Arts London, wrote a blog for the latest research initative on climate change promoted by the Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC). The PEC is part of the Creative Industries Clusters Programme led by the […]
Our Director, Professor Jane Harris took part in the Green Thinking: Fashion podcast hosted by the BBC, together with Professor Simon McQueen-Mason, who is Chair in Materials Biology at the University of York. They discussed how Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are inventing laboratory grown fabrics to recycled school jumpers and a single pair of […]
Following an initial £1.2 million investment in 2020 to 10 of the UK’s leading Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the fashion and textiles industry, we are proud to announce a further £1.1 million funding to thirteen pioneering businesses that place sustainability, innovation and social purpose at the heart of their business model. This new award brings the total investment […]
Building on the Business of Fashion, Textiles & Technology (BFTT) Creative R&D Partnership, the UAL: Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute has been launched to deliver sustainable innovation across the entire fashion and textiles value chain. The FTTI brings together established research centres and hubs, with specialist fields spanning design, STEM and humanities. It will employ a […]
Our Deputy Director, Dr Kate Goldsworthy took part in the UN High Political Forum Side Event “Building Resilient Circular Supply Chains by Empowering Grassroots Action: Collaboration as a tool for achieving SDGs in Fashion“. Kate led a discussion with Tricia Langman and Sarah Angold of Hecho x Nosotros, on the future of the changing fashion landscape, debating […]
Download the information booklet. The Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI, UAL) is partnering with the British Council to support new ideas for the future of sustainable fashion, textiles and related technology. In response to global drivers, the pilot programme will encourage international cooperation to re-evaluate the industry’s relationship with climate change, the environment, and the […]
The Centre for Sustainable Fashion, in partnership with The Open University and Middlesex University’s Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research, has released the new guidebook, Fashion as Sustainability in Action for micro and small enterprises (MSEs), part of the Fostering Sustainable Practices Hub. The guide contains key tips, methods and practical examples for those who support […]
The Business of Fashion, Textiles & Technology (BFTT) Partnership is recruiting for five post-doctoral researchers (or industry equivalent experience) to lead on the following projects within the SME R&D Support Programme. The SME project with Dash & Miller aims to deliver R&D around digital textiles to aid design and communication throughout the supply chain. Apply here. […]
The fifth and final innovation funding call is now open to Expressions of Interest by our fellow R&D Creative Cluster, Future Fashion Factory. The eligible businesses can access between £10,000 – £100,000 for collaborative projects aligned with the following research themes: sustainability, circular economies, data-driven design, late-stage customisation, communicating aesthetics, and skills. You can sign […]
Our Director, Professor Jane Harris, took part in the roundtable discussion ‘How is fast fashion becoming slow fashion?’ at the CogX Festival 2021. […]
Queen Mary University of London is recruiting for one full-time and two part-time Postdoctoral Research Assistants to work under the supervision of Prof. James Busfield and Dr Emiliano Bilotti . The post-holders will be responsible for the main research activities of the R&D project between the Queen Mary University of London and the BFTT Challenge 7 […]
On Thursday 10th June, the British Fashion Council hosted its inaugural Institute of Positive Fashion Forum. This event brought together leading voices from the fashion industry and beyond to unpack key issues facing the fashion industry ahead of COP26 – the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will be hosted in Glasgow later this […]
The New York Times has recently published an article on bio-based natural materials that use food waste as a production source. Two of the companies funded as part of the BFTT SME Programme were prominently featured. They are: Ananas Anam (Piñatex®) “One of the best known fruit-based fabric alternatives is Pinatex, a leather made from […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a Postgraduate or Post-Doctoral Researcher (or equivalent demonstrable industry/research experience) to work as the Research & Development (R&D) Project Lead to facilitate a collaborative project with ReWeave – a woven textile studio based in London and Hastings that has been awarded funding within the BFTT R&D SME Support Programme. The […]
The Creative Industries Clusters Programme has grown significantly through the commitment of contributing resources from industry partners, in addition to the funding by the Creative Industries Clusters Programme. Each of the nine clusters has been hard at work, bringing together some of the finest creatives in fashion, film and television, informatics, design, computer games, performance […]
CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 is organised by the Creative Industries Council (CIC). They are looking to showcase innovative projects, products or services built on using emerging technologies. The showcase will celebrate companies that are bringing together: creative skills from industries such as fashion, film & TV production, video gaming, music, design, animation and advertising. […]
Our fellow Creative Cluster Future Fashion Factory is open for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for their fourth round of Innovation Funding. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) of all sizes and specialisms have the opportunity to apply for collaborative research and development (R&D) projects, bringing together researchers and industry partners to address challenges facing the UK […]
The Royal Society of the Arts (RSA) calls for new measures to turn the tide in fast fashion, including a tax on virgin plastics used in clothing, a ban on marketing petrochemical-derived clothing, and a commission to prepare for the future of fashion. As part of the Regenerative Futures Programme, the RSA has completed a […]
The Business of Fashion (BOF) analysed the performance of 15 of fashion’s largest companies against environmental and social targets. The Index takes stock of the progress made, identifies shortcomings and lays out a clear framework for future advancements to meet climate and sustainable development goals over the next decade and beyond. The report presents targets […]
The Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (PEC) published a briefing on how Research and Development (R&D) remains a primary focus of innovation in policy. The UK Government has a target to invest 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027 (UK R&D Roadmap). However, without the right tools to measure R&D and have effective policies […]
The post holder will play a key role in the strategic development of the Institute of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (IFTT), UAL. They will help to establish relevant partnerships across industry, academia and government to support a portfolio of research, and research informed knowledge exchange. They will show academic fashion, textiles and technology related leadership […]
Hear from a few of the first cohort of BFTT funded SME R&D projects as Founders and CEOs discuss their experience of the bespoke support and mentoring, R&D funding landscape and innovative project development. Elvis & Kresse Doppelhaus Blackhorse Lane Ateliers Tibor Ananas Anam (Piñatex) Anna Glover AWAYTOMARS […]
BFTT SME R&D Programme – Round 3 Booklet The Business of Fashion, Textiles & Technology (BFTT) SME R&D Support Programme is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI). The fashion, textiles and technology-related sector (FTT) is buoyant, innovative and multidisciplinary, informing many adjacent sectors in the wider industry. Quite literally, spanning agriculture to advertising. This funding call is […]
Dr Kate Goldsworthy has contributed to the latest issue of Viewpoint Colour, a magazine edited by FranklinTill. In her article ‘Material of Time’, Kate outlines three stages of fibre and material sourcing and where it’s all headed. The Age of Naturals | from 6000 BC to the 19th Century The Age of Synthetics | the 20th […]
The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) have published extensive Brexit guidance for the UK fashion and textile industry. UKFT is one of the largest networks for fashion and textiles (companies in the UK that bring together designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and government to promote the FT industry. They have been working closely with the […]
Dr Shama Rahman presented the poster ‘How can AI enable development of novel design processes, that will support the co-creation of future fashion?’ at the Beyond 2020 Conference, 30 November – 3 December 2020. Click on the image below to view the poster. Shama’s research is part of the AWAYTOMARS – one of the BFTT funded […]
The V&A is recruiting for a Research Fellow to support the delivery of BFTT’s Challenge 6 – Rethinking Material Resources. This challenge focuses on the development of new sustainable fibres from waste materials, utilising knowledge from textile and manufacturing history as well as state-of-the-art research in the field. The Fellow will identify opportunities to grow […]
The V&A is recruiting for a Research Fellow to support the delivery of BFTT’s Challenge 4: Consumer and Retail Experience. The Fellow will work in collaboration with V&A researchers, curators and conservators, the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators across the BFTT partnership to research fashion consumption cultures and online retail experiences, investigate virtual fashion experiences and […]
We are recruiting for an Associate Director Partnerships and Business Development, who will play a key role in the strategic development and execution of the UAL’s Institute for Fashion, Textiles and Technology’s initial business plan (2021-2026), raising funds through the establishment of partnerships from industry, academia and government, and overseeing delivery of and building academic […]
We are recruiting up to three Post-Doctoral Researchers (or post-graduate equivalent with demonstrable industry or research experience) to work as Research & Development (R&D) Fellows, with the Institute of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (IFTT), University of the Arts London, leading on the development and delivery of novel contract research, with affiliated SMEs and industry partners. […]
Play Nice has partnered with the Foundation for Future London to launch collaborative support for young creatives who would not have the opportunity to develop an equitable future. Foundation for Future London, an independent charity connecting east London communities with the globally renowned arts, innovation and cultural partners, and Culture Mile – London’s ‘new cultural […]
In collaboration with UAL’s Fashion Innovation Agency, Fashion District is providing a rare opportunity for start-ups and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to win a cash prize, business support, and pitch their ideas to some of the industry’s leading brands and innovators. Start-ups and businesses that have the potential to revolutionise any part of the […]
One of Elvis & Kresse’s creations now features in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Bags: Inside Out exhibition. Elvis & Kresse is a sustainable and ethical brand that rescues raw waste material and transform them into luxury fashion accessories. For over a decade Elvis & Kresse has used damaged decommissioned fire hoses and transform them into […]
Dr Shama Rahman, R&D Project Lead at University of the Arts London, and Alfredo Orobio, CEO, present the most recent updates from AWAYTOMARS. AWAYTOMARS is a pioneering fashion technology company that aims to democratise fashion design through collaboration via a novel digital gaming platform. Supported by the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology, AWAYTOMARS is […]
In a year of absolute disruption, the BEYOND 2020 Conference will explore questions and ideas around the impact the pandemic has had on the creative industries, and how they responded to build back better through innovation in the fields of performance, moving image, visitor experience, gaming or Esports. With human-centred design and sustainability objectives at […]
You are all invited to take part in this survey of knitwear design and manufacturing practices in the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Your participation in this research will support developments in the responsible design and manufacture of future knitwear-based products. The research will provide participants with an insight into the sustainable performance of their company […]
The Medium Grant Scheme is designed to fund work that will break down barriers and tackle inequality by supporting residents across the London boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Foundation for Future London is looking for projects that aim to use arts & culture, communities & heritage, research & innovation and/or health […]
On 21 October 2020, the Centre for Circular Design (CCD) held an online panel discussion to launch the book Research Circles, chaired by journalist, author and lecturer Tamsin Blanchard. The book includes contributions by Dr Kate Goldsworthy, Co-founder and Co-director of CCD and Deputy Director of Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT) and Rebecca […]
The Sustainable Fashion Accelerator is a six-month programme of carefully crafted bespoke support with a mix of expert-led workshops and one-to-one sessions with a focus on people, planet, profit approach to fashion. What to expect: Expert coaches and guest speakers include sustainability champion and luxury expert Vanessa Podmore, Founder of Podmore Consultancy, People coach and […]
The London Fashion Fund seeks to build a portfolio of diverse, forward-thinking and high-growth start-ups that will shape the future of the fashion industry. It aims to enhance pathways for businesses to access complementary finance, follow-on funding & support with business success measure. The London Fashion Fund is calling all fashion SMEs looking to take […]
The fashion industry is shifting at a remarkable pace where demands are accelerated by the consumer for accountability, care of raw materials and social responsibility. The designers and brands are ever-evolving to adapt to new realities while staying resilient and creative at all times. On the other hand, fear of uncertainty and financial constraints are […]
Our Co-Investigator, Prof. James Busfield has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He was acknowledged for his commitment to the industry and supporting the next generation of graduate engineers. Prof James Busfield (left) will join 1,600 eminent engineers from industry and academia to support excellent work towards building a sustainable society. […]
In the face of an uncertain world, priorities are ever-evolving for consumers, brands and investors. On this background, the fashion industry can act as an inspirational forerunner for investment in long-term social and environmental sustainability, beyond short-term financial incentives. The CEO Agenda 2020 highlights eight sustainable priorities, which could help the fashion industry to reassess […]
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Business for Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT) team to manage and oversee the development of our Creative SME R&D Support Programme. The Programme to date has supported R&D innovation in the following fields: bio-material development; food and metal waste initiatives; sustainable woven and non-woven textiles for interiors, […]
The Fashion District, in collaboration with the Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion, UAL, has announced the shortlist for the second edition of Retail Futures. The Innovation Challenge Prize calls upon fashion and tech companies to bring new tech solutions for the industry’s challenges and drive future growth in the fashion industry. It […]
UKRI has just published a feature article on the work we have been doing so far. The Business of Fashion, Textiles & Technology Partnership, together with our fellow Creative Cluster Future Fashion Factory in Leeds, has ‘provided a driving force in innovation to ensure the UK industry remains at the forefront of creativity and technology’ […]
An exciting opportunity to join the London College of Fashion at the University of the Arts London as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in bio-inspired textiles. This post supports the Principal Investigator in the delivery of the Bioinspired Textiles: An investigation into biomimetic principles and their application to sustainable textile design and making, funded by the […]
UAL:University of the Arts London is recruiting for two part-time post-doc positions for the successful delivery of a specialist workstream focused on building resilience in the UK’s creative and visitor sectors and their value chain (aka the experience economy) by enhancing engagement with digital technologies. The successful candidates will be working with partners across a […]
Professor Dilys Williams was named the Sustainable Fashion Champion in the Drapers’ Sustainable Fashion Awards 2020. Dilys is Director of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and is currently co-leading Challenge 3 – Sustainable Industrial Strategy of the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology Partnership. Sustainability […]
What do creative entrepreneurs need? To answer this question, we interviewed Martin Brambley, co-founder of Doppelhaus Ltd, a company specialised in developing sustainable, nonwoven materials. Martin speaks about the challenges that entrepreneurs face when starting a business, particularly when they do not come from a well-off family background and can only count on their skills […]
We have £1.5m to invest in your transformative ideas. The Business of Fashion, Textiles & Technology (BFTT) SME R&D Support Programme is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI). The fashion, textiles and technology related sector (FTT) is buoyant, innovative and multidisciplinary, informing many adjacent sectors in the wider industry. Quite literally, spanning agriculture to advertising. This funding call […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Ananas Anam – the developers and manufacturers of Piñatex. The role involves working collaboratively with an Academic Mentor from the Centre for Circular Design at UAL and the Company Lead at Ananas Anam. The […]
After the global outrage caused by the unlawful killing of George Floyd in the US, major organisations across all sectors of the society are upgrading their diversity and inclusion strategies. The impact has also been felt in the creative industries across the UK. Once again, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities have raised their […]
We have interviewed Bruno de Penanster and Dr Raquel Prado of Ananas Anam, which is the company behind Piñatex®, an innovative natural textile made from pineapple leaf fibre. Bruno and Raquel talk about how valuable Research and Development (R&D) is in order to improve the materials, look for new applications and develop new products. Ananas […]
Do you have a techstyle innovation idea that can create a positive societal impact? Does it incorporate apparel/textiles or food tech? If yes, you could apply for “Techstyle For Social Good” International Online Competition 2020. The competition is looking to fund techstyle (technology + lifestyle) innovations with a special focus on apparel/textiles or food tech. […]
We have interviewed Alfredo Orobio of AWAYTOMARS, an innovative collaboration platform to crowdsource creativity, that helps designers introduce their work to the world and lets them hear what the world has to say. Alfredo talks about how Research and Development (R&D) can contribute to the development of AWAYTOMARS’s co-creation platform. AWAYTOMARS is a recipient of […]
On Wednesday 17 June, Creative Informatics is holding an innovation showcase online. Highlights on this event will include a keynote presentation from Bernadine Bröcker Wieder, founder and CEO of global online art marketplace Vastari, a conversation with astrophysicist and jazz musician Matt Russo, and an Algorave demonstration and performance from software artist and live coding musician Alex Maclean. Book […]
We have interviewed Anna Glover, whose multi award-winning design studio specialises in bespoke wallpaper for the global luxury interiors market. Anna talks about how Research and Development (R&D) is relevant to help them create new and more sustainable products. Anna Glover is a recipient of one of ten awards given as part of the first […]
We interviewed Sam Reich of Tibor, a London-based creative weaving company with a long heritage in the luxury interior fabrics market. Since their launch in 1945, they have pioneered deep textured luxury fabrics and novel colour combinations. Sam talks about the importance of Research and Development (R&D) for Tibor, and how they are creating new […]
We interviewed Han Ates of Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, an innovative community-based manufacturer producing high-end crafted denim garments in East London. Han talks about how Research & Development (R&D) can help them to create the first environmentally sustainable denim washing lab in London. Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is a recipient of one of ten awards given as […]
We interviewed Kresse Wesling of Elvis & Kresse, a company which rescues material that would otherwise go to landfill, transforms it into sustainable luxury accessories, and donates 50% of its profits to charity. Kresse talks about the the benefit of having academic expertise to overcome the challenges brought by complex Research and Development (R&D) projects. […]
The Companies We have awarded over £1.2 million to 10 of the UK fashion industry’s most innovative and sustainable brands. From over 80 applications, 13 were shortlisted and provided with one-to-one mentoring, business workshops and training to help develop their initial concepts into fully fledged business plans. The shortlisted businesses then had to pitch their […]
The British Fashion Council announced this week the first round of recipients of the BFC Foundation Fashion Fund, supporting creative fashion businesses and individuals to survive the Covid-19 crisis. Financial support will be given to 37 British designer businesses for a total awarded amount of £1m, which is allocated to viable businesses depending on their […]
On 1 May 2020, Professor Dilys Williams presented at the webinar The New Normal, together with Fashion Roundtable’s Tamara Cincik (CEO), Jodi Muter Hamilton (Communications Director) and Karen Binns (Fashion Director). Dilys discussed how the ‘New Normal’ may look like for creatives in a post-Covid19 era as fashion and textile industries will be hit hard […]
After two successful rounds of funding, our fellow Cluster Future Fashion Factory is now looking to receive applications from all size businesses and specialism working in the fashion and textiles industries for its third funding call. Now companies of all sizes and specialisms working in the sector will have a new opportunity to apply for […]
The unfolding situation of Covid-19 has forced the creative industry to shut down as nearly two million people have contracted the virus worldwide. There is an urge to understand what can be done to minimise the impact on businesses from small and medium enterprises to individuals whose livelihood depend on the creative industries. “We’re all […]
Are you a pre-start-up, start-up or SME working within the fashion supply chain or developing new technologies? We invite you to participate in the Call for Projects for the DeFINE Mentoring Programme. The Programme provides eight months of bespoke guidance to help you grow your business idea through technical, business management and investment readiness support. […]
Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, will invest up to £20 million in innovation projects to respond to new and urgent needs in UK and global communities during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. The SME Programme Team have put together some guidelines for companies intending to apply. Projects must address a societal […]
We recognise that this is a challenging time for small and large companies, their staff and all self-employed professionals working in the fashion, textiles and technology sector. If you have been affected by the current coronavirus outbreak, you might find useful to refer to the following sources of information on how to mitigate the impact […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Eako Ltd (Elvis & Kresse). Elvis & Kresse rescue material that would otherwise go to landfill, transform it into sustainable luxury accessories and donates 50% of its profits to charity. The […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Tengri. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Tengri Ltd, a London-based design house, specialising in rare cloths, clothing and home interiors made from Noble Yarns® & Fibres® – natural fibres that are as soft as cashmere, […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Segura. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Segura, a cloud-based suite of ordering and compliance products, enabling fashion retailers to trace all the components of their products, improve manufacturing sustainability […]
The Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), led by nesta as part of the Creative Industries Clusters Programme, has just published a report on how policymakers can support local growth in creative industries. The report addressed the following questions. What does success in the creative industries look like in your geographical area? Which local interventions have […]
Ten R&D projects have been selected to receive over £1.2 million of funding plus a comprehensive package of support. This includes mentoring from a leading academic, delivery support from a postdoctoral researcher (or equivalent expertise), as well as ongoing project management and strategic business support from the BFTT team. The awarded projects cover a […]
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, has opened a new £25m fund to support game-changing and commercially viable innovative or disruptive R&D. Applications can come from any area of technology and be applied to any part of the economy, such as but not exclusively: the arts, design and media; creative industries, science or […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, an innovative community-based manufacturer producing high end crafted denim garments in East London. The role involves working collaboratively with an […]
We invite innovative proposals that span research into the design, development and implementation of augmented reality technologies for the visualisation of fashion product, in partnership with Holition, an award-winning augmented reality company, supplying technical solutions to the fashion retail sector. Garment fit may be an area of interest, whereby virtual garments must appear to fit […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to support the delivery of Challenge 3: Design Models and Business Models for Sustainable Fashion Practices of the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology Partnership. This challenge focuses on the development of design models and business models, relating to specific fashion products, services and […]
Twelve months after its launch in October 2019, the Creative Industries Clusters Programme has grown significantly through the commitment of significant resources from industry partners in addition to our funding. Each of the nine clusters has been hard at work, bringing together some of the finest creatives in fashion, film and television, informatics, design, computer […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Away to Mars. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at AWAYTOMARS, an innovative company looking to disrupt and enrich the creative and design process through their co-creation platform. The […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Tibor. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Tibor Ltd, a company specialising on the design and production of deep textured luxury fabrics for modern interiors. The role also […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Doppelhaus. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Doppelhaus Ltd, a textile company specialising in developing novel non-woven, sustainable fabrics. The role also involves working with research experts […]
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher (or equivalent experience) to join the BFTT SME Programme and work with Anna Glover. The successful candidate will work with the management, commercial and R&D teams at Anna Glover Ltd, an award-winning design business specialising in luxury wallpaper, fashion and creative consultancy. The role involves working collaboratively […]
The London Fashion Fund is looking to build a portfolio of diverse, forward-thinking and high growth businesses that will shape the future of the fashion industry and contribute to the development of its social and environmental conscience. The Fund will support early stage fashion businesses across technology, design and the entire fashion eco-system. A unique […]
McKinsey, in partnership with The Business of Fashion (BoF), has just released their latest report on the industry, The State of Fashion 2020. This report analyses major themes around the fashion economy and breaks new ground to explain the dynamics driving the industry. These are some of its key findings. Prevailing mood in the industry […]
UAL researcher Dino Dinoulis presented the poster ‘Reimagining the Customer and Retail Experience’ at the Beyond Conference, Edinburgh, 20-21 November 2019. Click on the image below to access the poster. Dino’s research is part of Challenge 4 of the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology project. […]
Our Research Fellow Dr Lipi Begum participated in the roundtable discussion ‘The Fabric of Our Times’, which was organised by Creative Lancashire jointly with BFTT, at the inaugural British Textile Biennial in Blackburn Museum and Arts Gallery. Panel members and an audience of over 50 people who raised concerns across the industry included: Beverley Lamey, […]
Applications for studios at Poplar Works are now open. Poplar Works is a new space for fashion in East London. Poplar HARCA, London College of Fashion, UAL and The Trampery have developed Poplar Works together over the past years, and they will be opening in November. There are over forty studios across two sites, as […]
Our researcher Dino Dinoulis will present a poster at the Beyond Conference on how leading technologies, such as artificial intelligence, could be used to create innovative and engaging ‘retail’ stories that could lead consumers to an immersive and interactive journey. Dino’s work focusses on the application of deep generative learning models as an enabler to […]
We have received over 700 responses to our survey of the fashion, textiles and technology ecosystem. We are very grateful to all owners, founders and CEOs from across the UK that have been helping us to highlight the unspoken needs of the sector and to inform the key policy provisions that can sustain its growth […]
The Guardian interviewed Professor Steve Evans (University of Cambridge) about pioneering industries that are creating solutions to reduce environmental harm, but they refrain from publicising their work. Dr Richard Blackburn (University of Leeds) was interviewed by the BBC on the creation of sustainable fibres from high cellulose plant by-products like stalks, stems and leaves. Dr […]
We are pleased to announce the shortlist of the first round of funding of our Support Programme. The programme is designed to support small and medium enterprises in the development of the next generation of products, services and experiences in the fashion, textiles and technology sectors in the UK, with sustainability at their core. We […]
We would like to congratulate our researchers Dr Kate Goldsworthy and Dr Veronika Kapsali for being nominated in this year’s Top 100 Women in Fashion Tech. This list highlights the achievements of women who are making a difference in fashion tech sector. Kate is leading Challenge 5 on synthetic and oil-based material. She is Co-Director of the Centre for […]
Continuing with our series of talks and workshops in support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), on 5 September we focussed on technology, retail experience and Brexit. The speakers were Adam Mansell from the UK Fashion and Textile Association, Lynne Murray from the Digital Anthropology Lab, UAL, and Jonathan Chippindale from Holition. Adam discussed how […]
The use of sustainable materials and process by makers, designers and service providers is on the rise. As part of our support programme to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the fashion, textiles and technology sectors, on 21 August, we held a series of talks on how SMEs could further implement sustainability throughout their businesses. […]
The Business of Fashion Textiles & Technology (FTT) Creative R&D Partnership has been funded to enable sustainable growth and innovation in an industry that has not received serious levels of R&D investment in the past. This survey is an important first step in assessing your business R&D needs as well as exploring the barriers and […]
Welcome to the News Page of the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology partnership! We will post updates on the progress of the project across its seven challenges and the SME projects (these from late Autumn 2019). We will also keep you informed in funding or learning opportunities and on how to get engaged to the BFTT project! […]