Plymouth’s super chic fashion factory has been working on designs for a top London street clothing brand, and a national kitchenwear company and has taken on more workers as it continues to expand.
Makers HQ, a textiles sampling studio which was only founded in 2018, has also been hosting students form Italy and developing new courses for its training school.
The company is based in the Millfields trust’s HQ building in Union Street, Stonehouse, which was previously the huge Jaegar clothing factory, and a spokeswoman said: "It's been a busy summer here for us. We've taken on new members of staff, had students over from Italy, studying with us, lots of fabulous work experience and apprenticeship students on board too. We've been developing course content for the Training Studio and the Sampling Studio remains chokka."
The unit is already making prototype outfits for hip brands and designers and is now “exceptionally proud” to work with London Streetwear brand Heresy.
“Our amazing team assisted them in the production of gorgeous 100% cotton, boxy, canvas pull overs,” the spokeswoman said. “Heresy are an ethically conscious company, which, as you know, is something we're very passionate about.
“Ethical and sustainable manufacture has been the underlying framework of their business since it began in 2012. We're so proud to work with this company, as we love everything that the stand for and they offer complete transparency of their supply chain, which is to be admired within this current fashion industry.”
Makers HQ is also working on samples for Bird Kitchen Clothing, a “unique and exciting kitchen-wear brand”. It has been designing a “feminine take” on traditional chef’s jackets for the firm founded by food writer Vicky North .
“Bird Kitchen will be launching their first collection soon,” Makers HQ spokewosman said.
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Makers HQ, which has also been working with natty designers in Plymouth and Dartmouth, has already been producing accessories such as bags, and even jerseys, swimwear and items made out of leather and sustainable eco-friendly fabrics. It wants to hear from any textile manufacturing businesses that can work with it.
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In June 2019 it was awarded the maximum grant of £10,000 and business skills support from the Community Business Challenge - run by M&S and Power to Change, the independent trust that supports community businesses.- to buy more equipment and create jobs.
It is already doing that and its Training Studio is in full swing and on the lookout for new apprentices within fashion, textiles, upholstery, sewing and industrial manufacture.
Makers HQ has also been working with Jade Rogers, a Plymouth College Art, who is on the radar of Givenchy and designed the new Plymouth Raiders Development Basketball team kit.
In addition, seven students from Italy have been on a work-based training programme, via Plymouth’s Tellus Group.
“We designed a short sharp dress project for them, which we thought was a little ambitious,” the spokeswoman said,. “They exceeded all of our expectations by designing and creating the most amazing range of dresses. Their pattern cutting and sewing skills were just fabulous and clearly reflected in their final results.
“We'll be running three, free, Level 1 courses, starting in October for those that are currently looking for work within this industry. Register your interest by emailing: hello@makershq.co.uk