Evo Fashion programme aims to empower sustainable labels, invites applications

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
December 5, 2023

Evo Fashion, a collaboration between London’s Fashion District and work-space provider The Trampery’s Evo Learning arm, is to launch a five-month innovation programme “to empower the next generation of sustainable fashion brands and fashion technology businesses”.

Providing “high-impact training, valuable industry insights and networking opportunities”, the programme aims to “tackle the underlying challenges that emerging fashion labels face”. This includes difficulty in integrating sustainable business models, access to early-stage financing, and gaining traction with global players.

Backed by the British Fashion Council, the Mayor of London, and London & Partners, it will provide fashion entrepreneurs with the tools and framework needed “to advance their business goals, upskill ethical working standards and achieve supply chain sustainability in a highly competitive industry”. 

Staged at The Trampery’s Hampton Wick, east London, workspace and designed to fit alongside work commitments, the fully-funded programme valued at over £2,500 to each participating brand, will include an initial two-day launch weekend, monthly leadership mentoring and peer-to-peer workshops with industry experts, as well as to open up investment and transform growth opportunities for the participating businesses.

Expert coaches and guest speakers include sustainability and luxury expert Vanessa Podmore; people coach Tom Farrand from Human Energy; circular fashion designer Phoebe English and Amanda Johnston, Creator and Consultant for Sustainable Angle.

Eligible participants will be selected based on four main criteria: business profile, growth potential, positive social and environmental impact, and support of inclusivity and diversity.

The judging panel is made up of industry experts Yvie Hutton, Director of Designer Relations & Membership for the BFC; Bianca Saunders; Helen Lax, Director of Fashion District; Vanessa Podmore, founder of Podmore Consulting; and Charles Armstrong, founder and CEO of Evo Learning and The Trampery. 

Applications for the first programme, running March-July 2024, will close on 8 January. The successful ‘cohort’ will be officially announced in February. The second programme, which will support fashion technology businesses, will officially launch in spring 2024 and run from July to December 2024.  

Janet Coyle, Managing Director of Grow London at London & Partners also said: “This is a much-needed programme, particularly when the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global emissions. We are consciously aware that clear and credible change is needed. By providing emerging fashion businesses with the right support and access to industry experts early on, we are helping to put environmental sustainability at the heart of their growth strategies. London & Partners teams are excited to be on this journey with them, and we look forward to the announcement of the first cohort of businesses early next year.”