Building on the foundations of East London’s heritage in clothing manufacturing and production, a new generation of creative change-makers, with the backing of Waltham Forest Council and a series of ambitious partners, are busy forging a sustainable ecosystem and support network where fashion and textile businesses can flourish and change the future direction of the industry. 

From family businesses, independent tailors, seamstresses and craftspeople who have grown up and worked in the area for a lifetime, to a new community of designers, makers, vintage and pre-loved clothing sellers, these entrepreneurial pioneers all share a common vision – to transform the way we produce and consume clothing, and to manage its impact both on society and the environment. 

Emerging from this collective highway of activity is the Waltham Forest Fashion brand, which encompasses projects like Forge Fashion, Making for Change, and CUT. It further supports Arbeit Studios at Leyton Green, a local co-working space for innovative fashion start-ups, and networks on the Waltham Forest Connected Business Directory and on social media via the @lb.wf.fashion Instagram. There are opportunities for designers of all shapes and sizes, all backgrounds and futures, to get involved in this bustling network, to collaborate, to progress their visions, and to ultimately make change. 

To celebrate the festival, Waltham Forest Council will be bringing their popular vintage market to Westfield Stratford City. Join us over the festival weekend to celebrate all things fashion and shop vintage clothing and accessories.