The Hackney Fashion Lab

Hackney is increasing its fashion-hub status by the day: tomorrow sees the launch of The Fashion Lab, a collaborative effort between Hackney Council, the Design-Manufacturer Innovation Support Centre (DISC) and the  Centre for Fashion Enterprise (CFE) to facilitate young designers and graduates with equipment and studio space as they begin their careers.

"London has always been renowned for creativity in fashion. We expect this new facility will drive London forward as the heart of unlocking creativity and supporting fashion designers through technical innovation," said Wendy Malem, director of CFE and DISC.

Hackney Fashion Lab

Located at London Fields' social enterprise site The Trampery (another designer studio hub), the work space will be available to be booked online for two-hour slots at affordable rates - this money will then be reinvested back into the Lab for additional equipment, training for designers and other business support. Designers will have their pick of equipment: industrial sewing and overlocking machines, ironing stations and pattern-cutting tables.

"The collaboration behind The Fashion Lab has been crucial in enabling this project and once again shows how, by coming together, we can create opportunities for the next generation of small start-up businesses in Hackney's expanding economy," said Guy Nicholson, cabinet member for regeneration.

For further information, visit Thetrampery.com