New Landscapes for Fashion, Textiles and Technology: India and UK Open Call The New Landscapes Catalyst Grant Scheme is an international program led by UAL’s Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI), in partnership with the British Council. Since 2021, the programme has nurtured new Research and Development (R&D) projects between 10 different countries, to support new […]
Natural dyes explorations by sustainable fashion brand 11.11/eleven eleven © British Council
New report: Impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the UK Fashion and Textiles Technology Ecosystem
In June 2023, the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT), University of the Arts London and the Future Fashion Factory (FFF), University of Leeds published a joint report, Impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the UK Fashion and Textiles Technology Ecosystem: Full Report – Download here The aim of this research is to explore the impacts […]
Business of Fashion Textile and Technology SME R&D Showcase
The Business of Fashion Textile and Technology Creative R&D Partnership (BFTT CRDP) recently hosted beneficiaries of BFTT funding, showcasing research and development (R&D) projects, at Plexal, Here East. Bringing together over 60 members from across the BFTT network, focusing on SME businesses, early career researchers, and partners. The event marked the first in-person gathering of […]
UAL announces announces AHRC-funded world-leading Virtual Production lab
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 […]
Recruiting: Deputy Director of Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute
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 launch a sneaker in collaboration with Grenson
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 […]
Six small business partnerships in sustainable fashion, textiles and technology
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 […]
R&D Denim wash lab opening in London
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 […]
BFTT Showcase: Made in Code
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 at Future Textiles 2023 Conference
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 […]
Ananas Anam at the Lineapelle
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 […]
Call for proposals: Fashion, Textiles and Technology partnership with British Council
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 […]
Report – Creative Industries and the Climate Emergency: The Path to Net Zero
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 launches Piñayarn®
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 […]
Re-Modelling Fashion Worksheets and Guidebook
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 […]
Laura Solomon at Beyond Conference 2022 Poster Exhibition
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 wins Innovation of the Year Award
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 […]
Launch of New Landscapes: FTT Catalyst R&D Grant Scheme Final Report
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 […]
BFTT-funded interdisciplinary research paper published in MDPI Sustainability
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 […]
Apply for Circular Textiles Fund
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 […]
BFTT Survey on Fast Fashion and Garment Quality
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 […]
BFTT Researchers at the 26th Annual Green Chemistry Conference
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 […]
New Survey on Covid-19, Brexit and Climate Change
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, […]
BFTT R&D Funding to New UK Textile Recycling Programme
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 […]
Vacancy: UAL BFTT Project Manager
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 […]
Vacancy: R&D Project Lead (William Clark & Sons)
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 Pitcha Kucha
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 […]
University of Leeds 9 fully-funded PhDs
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. […]
Vacancy: FTTI Senior R&D Fellow
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 […]
Dash and Miller Survey
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 […]
Creative Innovation Platform Launch
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 […]
Job Opportunity: Research Fellow in Fashion and Textile Industry
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 […]
Survey: The Future of Digital Experiences
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 […]
Veronika Kapsali and Kate Goldsworthy Appointed UAL Professors
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 […]
BFTT Researchers at the Waste-me-not Symposium
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 […]
Sustainable Consumption Conference – Post COP26
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 […]
COP26 / Climate Emergency Network
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 […]
BFTT Researchers at the Beyond Conference 2021
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 […]
Managing Transition in the UK Fashion Sector
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 […]
BFTT featured in BBC and UKRI podcasts
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 […]
UAL Launches Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute
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 […]
Dr Kate Goldsworthy in United Nation’s High Political Forum
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 […]
Call for Proposals – New Landscapes Catalyst R&D Grant Scheme
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 […]
Fashion as Sustainability in Action
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 […]
Job Opportunities: 5x SME Project Leads
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. […]
Future Fashion Factory Funding Call Now Open
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 […]
Professor Jane Harris at CogX Festival 2021
Our Director, Professor Jane Harris, took part in the roundtable discussion ‘How is fast fashion becoming slow fashion?’ at the CogX Festival 2021. […]
Prof Dilys Williams at the Institute of Positive Fashion Forum
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 […]
BFTT SMEs in The New York Times
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 […]
Creative Industries Clusters: The Story So Far 2021
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 […]
Applications Now Open for CreaTech 2021
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. […]
Future Fashion Factory – Funding Call
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 […]
Report on Public Attitudes on Plastics and Fast Fashion
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 […]
Measuring the Fashion’s Sustainability Gap
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 […]
Business R&D in Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
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 […]
Job Opportunity: IFTT Professorial Chair
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 […]
Meet some of the awarded SMEs Founders and CEOs
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 […]
SME R&D Support Programme – Funding Call Round 3
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 […]
Towards the ‘Age of Recovery’ by Kate Goldsworthy
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 […]
UKFT Brexit Guidance for the Fashion and Textile Industry
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 […]
AI and Fashion Co-Creation at Beyond 2020
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 […]
Job Opportunity: V&A Research Fellow in Rethinking Material Resources
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 […]
Job Opportunity: V&A Research Fellow in Consumer & Retail Experience
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 […]
Job Opportunity: Associate Director Partnerships and Business Development
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 […]
Job Opportunity: R&D Fellows
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. […]
Mentoring Support for Underrepresented Groups in the Creative Industries
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 […]
Launch of Manufacturing Futures 2021
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 […]
Data-Driven Design at the BEYOND 2020 Conference
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 […]
Knitwear Design and Manufacturing Survey
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 […]
Foundation for Future London Grant Call to Tackle Inequality
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 […]
Research Circles – Book Launch by the Centre for Circular Design
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 […]
Open Call for Sustainable Fashion Accelerator at The Trampery
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 […]
London Fashion Fund – Second Round of Investment Now Open
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 […]
‘Fashion on Climate’ Report
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 […]
Prof James Busfield Elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers
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. […]
The CEO Agenda 2020: Spotlight Biodiversity
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 […]
Job Opportunity: Creative SME R&D Programme Manager
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 Announces Tech Start-Ups Shortlist
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 […]
Driving Innovation in Difficult Times
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’ […]
Job Opportunity: Research Fellow in Bio-inspired Textiles
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 […]
Job Opportunities in Experience Economy Research Project
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 […]
Dilys Williams named Sustainable Fashion Champion 2020
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 […]
SME R&D Support Programme – Funding Call Round 2
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 […]
We Stand with You (BLM)
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 […]
Apply for techstyle (technology + lifestyle) competition
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. […]
Creative Informatics Virtual Showcase
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 […]
British Fashion Council announces recipients of £1m award
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 […]
What is the new normal in fashion?
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 […]
R&D funding from Future Fashion Factory
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 […]
How is Covid-19 affecting your business?
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 […]
Apply for mentoring support
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. […]
Rapid Response Call (£50k) from Innovate UK
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 […]
Coronavirus: Support for Companies and the Self-Employed
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 […]
Job Opportunity: R&D Project Lead at Queen Mary University London/Elvis & Kresse
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 […]
Job Opportunity: R&D Project Lead at UAL/Tengri
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, […]
Job Opportunity: R&D Project Lead at UAL/Segura
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 […]
Insights from Creative Industries Champions
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 […]
SME R&D Projects (Funding Round 1)
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’s £25m fund opens for R&D in the creative industries
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 […]
Job Opportunity: R&D Project Lead at UAL/Blackhorse Lane Ateliers
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 […]
PhD Studentship on Fashion Product Visualisation
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 […]
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship on Sustainable Fashion Practices
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 […]
Creative Industries Clusters. The Story So Far
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 […]
Apply to the London Fashion Fund
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 […]
The State of Fashion 2020: Navigating Uncertainty
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 […]
Generative Machine Learning for the Consumer Experience
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. […]
BFTT at the British Textile Biennial
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, […]
Apply for a Studio at Poplar Works in London
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 […]
At the Beyond Conference 2019
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 […]
700 Responses… So Far!
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 […]
Our Researchers in the News
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 […]
Top 100 Women in Fashion Tech
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 […]
Brexit, Technology and the Future of Retail Experience
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 […]
Talks on Sustainability
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. […]
Have a say on the future of fashion!
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
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! […]