Prince Andrew officially opened an old Hackney Community College campus which has been transformed into an innovative shared workspace for fashion and creative professionals called The Trampery London Fields.
The former base of further educational establishment Hackney Community College (HCC), in Mare Street, London Fields, has been turned into a fashion base by The Trampery social enterprise.
The idea is to support the next generation of fashion design talent by providing access to flexible spaces, facilities, expertise and solutions which historically have been scarce in the industry.
Rising stars of the fashion industry, Holly Fulton who is known for her graphic prints and statement jewellery, and menswear designer Lou Dalton opened the doors of their newly acquired studios to showcase their work to the Duke of York.
They were joined by HCC students Verlisha Pierre and Kyran McCaffery who presented the Prince some of their clothing creations, and spoke passionately about the training and support they received at the college.
Principal of Hackney Community College Ian Ashman said: “The Trampery’s innovative transformation of our building will bring opportunities for our creative and fashion students to link with a new network of companies, which we hope will lead to work experience, apprenticeships and future employment.”
Income from the lease will be invested into the education and training of local people through HCC.
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