Designers on Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield will receive direct access to industry leaders, buyers, and press through studio tours, professional networking and personal introductions; structured mentorship from Paul Smith’s Foundation's extensive professional network; production support and facilities access throughout collection development; showcasing opportunities and sustained commercial guidance extending six months post-programme. The international designers will take studios within The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, a business development programme for early-career fashion designers, including a free studio space for 18 months and 80+ hours of business training from industry experts. The Fashion Residency was created by Mayor of London, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation, with support from British GQ, and enabled through support from the City of London Corporation.
The programme aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and digital innovation while expanding their entrepreneurial and creative skill sets. By blending practical, hands-on sessions with reflective learning and cultural immersion, the programme intends to create a holistic experience that enhances each designer’s creative identity and professional potential. Rather than one-way skills transfer, the project intends to create equal partnerships where designers learn from each other's practices, markets, and cultural perspectives. The six designers are:
Solome Asfaw (Ethiopia), Renata Brenha (UK), Chido Kaseke (Zimbabwe), Bettydora Odhiambo (Kenya), Karoline Vitto (UK), and YAKU (UK).
The six were selected from a closed call application by a jury including representatives from Projekt, Paul Smith’s Foundation and The British Council, as well as external juror IB Kamara, Creative Director of Off-White.
IB Kamara, Creative Director of Off-White said: “I was so impressed by the talent of these designers. This kind of residency nurtures the future shapers of the fashion industry, particularly through its invaluable cultural exchange. It reminds us of the importance of learning from voices around the world and being inspired by our peers.”
Nick Hartwright, CEO of Projekt said: We’re very excited to be working with the British Council and Paul Smith’s Foundation on this new, innovative programme. Providing subsidised and funded spaces and opportunities for collaboration is a key part of Projekt’s ethos, and we’re proud that this programme reflects our commitment to offering space and infrastructure that enables designers to develop and grow their businesses.”
Martha Mosse, Director of Paul Smith’s Foundation said: “We are delighted to be co-creating this new opportunity for international creative exchange. At Paul Smith’s Foundation we champion the enduring value of peer-to-peer support and are excited to see how these brilliant brands develop their vision through the sharing of knowledge, skills and experiences.”
Farai Ncube, Regional Arts Director at British Council said: “This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting the creative economy across Africa and the UK by placing creative professionals and their potential at the centre of sustainable growth. Through authentic collaboration, skills exchange, and mutual respect across cultures, we support designers and creative practitioners in building sustainable enterprises and accessing global markets. This cross-continental residency exchange in London and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability, will help foster enduring partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and unlock new opportunities for creative talent to thrive and collaborate across borders.”