UKFT rolls out manufacturing masterclasses as part of the Made It campaign

UKFT rolls out manufacturing masterclasses across five UK universities as part of the Made It campaign with Marks and Spencer.

UKFT is the most inclusive British network for fashion and textile companies in the UK. We bring together designers, manufacturers, agents and retailers to promote their businesses and our industry, both in the UK and throughout the world. UKFT is in a unique position, representing businesses from spinning, weaving and knitting, right through to catwalk.

“As part of UKFT’s on going commitment to support UK manufacturing, we feel it is essential for students to understand the importance of commercial and technical considerations throughout the design process and the Made It campaign delivers this message.”

-Adam Mansell, CEO, UKFT

The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) will roll out a series of masterclasses at five UK universities as part of the Made It campaign, with the support of Marks and Spencer. Made It masterclasses are designed to give students a better understanding of sourcing, production and the business considerations of a UK-based manufacturing strategy.

Last week UKFT Rise kicked off the Masters of Fashion series - evening talks with the people behind some of the biggest success stories in fashion. . The first of the series saw Clive Beharrell in conversation with Kirsty MacGregor of Drapers. . Clive is a direct marketing pioneer and has chaired and invested in over 12 businesses. He was Chairman of @fatface and @crewclothing during their periods of rapid expansion from small businesses to some of the UK's best known clothing brands. . Next talk is October 18th at UKFT HQ with Simon Carter, the king of cufflinks. Join us from 6pm and hear @simoncarterltd discuss the growth of the business, design process and influences. Head to www.rise4fashion.com for tickets. . #UKFT #UKFTrise #fashion #MastersOfFashion #fashiontalk #networking #fashioncommunity #fashionbrands

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Selected universities offer design courses across a range of product types including textiles, menswear, womenswear, knitwear and sportswear. The tailored masterclasses will be delivered by UK production and sourcing expert Daliah Simble at the University of Leeds, University of Salford, University of Westminster, Nottingham Trent University and Falmouth University.

The masterclass students will have the opportunity to use what they learn to design, develop and produce a UK Made look. Based on the designs submitted, selected students from each participating university will receive financial support from Marks and Spencer and industry introductions and mentoring throughout the process from UKFT experts and manufacturers.

UKFT’s Made It is in collaboration with Marks & Spencer and Graduate Fashion Week with the aim of bringing together graduate designers and UK manufacturers.

Made It Masterclass dates:

Falmouth University – 16 October

University of Salford - 18 October

University of Westminster - 20 October

Nottingham Trent University - 23 October

For further information please contact:

Tamara Rizvi: tamara.rizvi@ukft.org