Member Article

First launch pad outside London for new Leeds fashion designers at Lambert’s Yard

Leeds’ Lambert’s Yard is set to become a destination for independent design, fashion and lifestyle in autumn 2014 by bringing industry leaders together with up-and-coming fashion designers.

Following a successful pop-up shop in winter 2013, the next phase of the Lambert’s Yard project is an upcoming New Market Entry Programme (NMEP).

The programme, run by the Centre for Fashion Enterprise (CFE), will bring together industry leaders from the world of fashion and design to share their expertise on how to manage and build a successful fashion label.

The programme aims to provide a launch pad for up-and-coming designers wishing to grow their businesses in Leeds and forms part of a wider regional Fashion, Manufacturing & Textile initiative and a new Leeds Fashion Incubator.

The success of such CFE programmes is reflected in its notable ‘alumni’ including Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, Richard Nicoll, Christopher Raeburn, Peter Pilotto.

Wendy Malem, dean of the Graduate School at London College of Fashion and director of CFE said, “The UK is home to some of the fashionindustry’s brightest design talent. However, to ensure a brand’s survival and success takes more than raw talent.

“It is crucial in today’s market for small businesses to understand their USP and vision, to be better informed and follow a considered development strategy. CFE facilitates this, unlocking creativity and business potential, allowing designers to gain an international foothold.

“The Lambert’s Yard initiative is our first foray outside of London designers. One of the reasons we chose it, is the region’s fantastic heritage in textiles and retail. Hopefully those aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to learn how to be successful in their chosen field will find the course an interesting start to the whole initiative.”

In the meantime emerging or established designers across fashion, accessories, jewellery, art & design, beauty & wellbeing or home ware, interested in hearing more about this project, or fashion designers interested in applying for the CFE New Market Entry Programme on the 26th & 27th of June, can contact the team on hello@lambertsyard.com.

Places on the NMEP are limited and qualifying designers may subsequently qualify for twelve months of further support as part of the CFE Pioneer Programme.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .