introducing Evo Fashion
Evo Fashion is a five-month experiential programme for emerging brands and fashion technology businesses. It takes a holistic approach to guiding early-stage businesses on strategy, environmental and social governance, communications, investment readiness and more – all within the goal of driving sustainable economic growth.
​
Designed to fit alongside work commitments, activities include an initial two-day intensive, masterclasses, and peer-to-peer learning culminating in an industry showcase.
​
​The programme will run twice during 2024 – once for emerging designers and brands (March – July), and once for fashion technology businesses (July – December).
Evo Fashion is delivered by Fashion District and Evo Learning.
​
Who is Evo Fashion for?
Evo Fashion is for growing fashion brands with skills and experience who are embracing social and environmental impact and are supportive of inclusivity and diversity.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from founders that are disabled, women, black, POC, LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented communities.
To be eligible to join future fully-funded programmes, businesses must be, at the time of application:
​​
-
a registered business for at least 18 months
-
London-based (an office with a London address)
-
employing 2-5 people (full time equivalent)*
-
trading for a minimum of 18 months in at least one market
-
a turnover or investment of a minimum of £50k in the last financial year
-
an ambition to grow
-
committed to attending all sessions
​
*If you meet all the criteria other than the number of people employed in your business, and you feel you have a strong application for the programme, please contact us.
​
COHORT 2 PROGRAMME STARTING NOW!
​
Applications were scored on four main criteria:
-
Designer / Business Profile – recognition, skills and experience.
-
Growth Potential – number of stockists/brand partnerships, new business model/solution, turnover, investment track record, ambition, expertise and team.
-
Positive Social & Environmental Impact - social and environmental mission, innovative product.
-
Inclusion & Diversity – supportive of inclusivity and diversity throughout the business.
​
All participants for Cohort 2 have now been selected. Follow their journey here.
​
Evo Fashion
Information Session
On the 28th November we ran an information webinar for everyone interested in applying for Cohort 1. It gave people the opportunity to ask questions about the programme, the eligibility criteria and the application process. Sign up to the Evo Fashion newsletter to receive further details.
​
About us
Evo Fashion is delivered by Fashion District and Evo Learning. It is part of the Grow London Early Stage Programme, powered by London & Partners and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
.png)
FAQs
1 / How much time do I have to commit to the programme?
Evo Fashion will have five in-person workshop sessions including a two-day launch weekend and three monthly workshops between March and June (one-day sessions), three one-to-one business advice sessions (approximately one hour) and four peer-to-peer workshops (approximately one hour).
2 / What are the workshop dates for Cohort 1?
Provisional dates are as follows:
-
1-2 March: Launchpad Kick-off Weekend (IRL)
-
19 March: Monthly workshop (IRL)
-
March: Peer-to-Peer sessions (Online)
-
16 April: Monthly workshop (IRL)
-
April: Peer-to-Peer sessions (Online)
-
14 May: Monthly workshop (IRL)
-
May: Peer-to-Peer sessions (Online)
-
4 June: Monthly workshop (IRL)
-
12-14 June: Photoshoot (IRL)
-
3 July: Cohort Showcase at Manufacturing Futures Awards evening (IRL)
​
These are the provisional dates for our first cohort, which is targeted at emerging designers and fashion brands, and may be subject to change.
3 / Can I attend any sessions remotely?
Unless otherwise specified, all monthly workshops will be held in person at The Trampery Fish Island Village, 13 Rookwood Way, E3 2XT. Typically expert mentoring and peer-to-peer workshops will be held online. It’s important that you’re able to attend all of these sessions in person in order to complete the programme as there will not be the option to attend virtually.
​
4 / What if I don’t meet all of the eligibility requirements, can I still apply?
The mandatory eligibility requirements are (at the time of application):
-
a registered business for at least 18 months
-
London-based (an office with a London address)
-
trading for a minimum of 18 months in at least one market
-
a turnover or investment of a minimum of £50k in the last financial year
-
employing 2-5 people (full time equivalent)*.
If you don’t meet the essential requirements listed above, this programme may not be suitable for you just yet but sign up to our mailing list here to be alerted for future programmes and events.
*If you meet all the criteria other than the number of people employed in your business, and you feel you have a strong application for the programme, please contact us.
​
5 / What if I missed the application deadline for Cohort 1?
Applications have now closed for Cohort 1 but if your business fits into the business category for Cohort 2, you will be able to apply for that. Applications are now open here. Sign up to the newsletter to be notified about the launch event, webinar and application details.
