A new space for start-up fashion businesses has launched in Manchester as the city famous for its textiles looks to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Yard Atelier has opened in Cheetham Hill as a non-profit co-working and community space where people can get access to machinery and garment-making equipment, alongside mentoring.
It was founded by Caroline Herz and Georgina Housley, two former Manchester Metropolitan University senior lecturers who say they want to re-establish ‘slow fashion’ in the city.
The space will also house an archive of designer pieces donated by employment charity Smart Works Greater Manchester, including a one-off Paco Rabanne chainmail dress and some Victoria Beckham tailoring.
Manchester became the centre of the global cotton industry in the 19th century, earning the nickname . It remains a major fashion hub, home to companies including N Brown and Boohoo.
The Yard Atelier's launch event this week was attended by fashion specialists including Smart Works patron and retail industry expert, Jane Shepherdson, Sarah Welsh, retail CEO Retail at N. Brown, and stylist Gemma Sheppard.
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.
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“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.”
Smart Works Greater Manchester aims to help unemployed women to gain employment and financial independence by offering career coaching, styling guidance and interview training. It opened in 2015 and its two Greater Manchester centres have supported more than 4,000 clients.
Jan Iceton, from Smart Works, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support The Yard Atelier fashion archive by providing iconic, design-led pieces from some of the world’s great designers, kindly donated to our wonderful charity.”
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