A new co-working and community space launched this week in Cheetham Hill to nurture the north west’s next generation of fashion designers.
The Yard Atelier is Manchester’s first non-profit fashion Atelier. It aims to support start-ups in a unique space, where the machinery and garment-making equipment needed to kick-start a fashion business is accessible under one roof, alongside expert mentoring.
The creative space – which aspires to re-establish ‘slow fashion’ in the city – was set up by Caroline Herz and Georgina Housley, two former Manchester Metropolitan University senior lecturers with a wealth of experience in the fashion industry.
Smart Works Greater Manchester, the charity that exists to give unemployed women the confidence and the skills they need to secure employment, is supporting the Atelier with a donation of several special designer pieces.
The Smart Works fashion archive will be available to resident creatives so they can be inspired when designing their own collections and learn from the expert craftsmanship. Archive items include a one-off Paco Rabanne chainmail dress and Victoria Beckham exquisite tailoring.
An official launch event was held at The Yard Atelier this week. Smart Works Patron and retail industry expert, Jane Shepherdson MBE, spoke at the event, which was attended by Smart Works CEO Kate Stephens, fashion graduates including the Atelier’s first resident creatives; some of Manchester’s fashion influencers; and Smart Works’ business supporters within the region including Sarah Welsh, CEO Retail of N.Brown, and nationally including Gemma Sheppard, Award Winning Stylist @10yearsyounger and Editor in Chief of @voyages_and_vanity.
Caroline Herz, co-founder and director of The Yard Atelier, said: “The need to source materials wisely, re-cycle, re-use, re-new, and rethink in all areas of fashion while encouraging onshore design, is at the centre of our vision for The Yard Atelier.
“Ultimately, we want to carve out a space for slow-made collections in today’s fashion industry and encourage production businesses to return to Manchester, especially given the city’s rich history.
“Each resident designer will learn about beautiful workmanship – including from our Smart Works fashion archive – and develop a deep understanding of the fashion industry. They will hopefully leave with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to become the best fashion designers that Manchester has to offer.”
