The Hub@FTM - celebrating London’s design talent

London Style* is delighted to sponsor and launch the Hub@FTM

Based at the Fashion and Textile Museum (FTM), the Hub@FTM is a vibrant new networking community for creative businesses, offering events that celebrate and support London’s cutting edge design talent.

The Hub@FTM is a new concept in socialising and sharing information and knowledge for creative designers working in the jewellery, fashion, accessories, homeware and furniture arena. The creation of this new network is central to the London Style project which is providing funding to allow designers to join at no charge.

This prestigious club will offer a lively and interactive format - the Hub@FTM is the essential place to have a fun and informative evening out whilst chatting about the latest industry news (and gossip!), talking to people in similar businesses, exchanging ideas, discussing trade issues and opportunities and sharing experiences with like-minded individuals.

Membership of the Hub@FTM includes quarterly events at the Fashion and Textile Museum, featuring a private view of the current FTM exhibition, wine and nibbles and the opportunity to connect with other inspirational designers and industry professionals.

For free membership of the Hub@FTM and to book a place at the first event, you need to register now at info@ftmlondon.org or download an application form http://www.ftmlondon.org/. Places are limited - so don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new club.

The first event will take at The Fashion and Textile Museum on Wednesday 24th March, 6.30 – 8.30pm
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The London Style project is part-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund and Newham College of Further Education.

Notes to Editors
London Style
Part-financed by the European Union's European Regional Development Fund, London Style works to assist London's creative businesses in a sustained support programme to access new markets and win new business.

Newham College in partnership with three distinctive partners within the creative sector: Holts Jewellery Academy works to assist jewellers in both practical and business-based skills; the East London Design Show enables emerging and established design businesses to access contemporary exhibiting and showcasing assistance and opportunities; the Centre for Sustainable Fashion provides specific assistance and support for businesses adopting or increasing environmental and sustainable practices. Newham College delivers a practical and specialised business mentoring programme, along with showcasing opportunities at the Fashion and Textile Museum.

The London Style programme offers participants:

* Face to face diagnostic sessions
* Individual intensive mentoring sessions
* Interactive group workshops
* Individual mentoring sessions to expand on group workshops
* Additional mentoring and one to one support as required, both on and offline
* Showcasing opportunities

The 2007-13 ERDF Programme is administered by the London Development Agency's European Programmes Management Unit (LDA EPMU) on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government. The LDA, in partnership with the Mayor and in consultation with London stakeholders drafted the Operational Programme (OP), which provides the framework for investment of ERDF in London. For further information about ERDF please visit www.london.gov.uk

For further information on the London Style project, please contact: Becky Hunt 0208 522 5700 / london.style@newham.ac.uk

The Fashion and Textile Museum

The FTM is a cutting-edge education, exhibition and visitor centre for contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery; providing a focal point at the heart of the industry and offering inspiration to a wide audience within a vibrant, creative and professional environment.

Owned and operated by Newham College, the FTM offers access to business support for people working or wanting to work in the fashion sector. The Shop@FTM is a must for anyone interested in contemporary fashion and is committed to supporting young design talent with a great range of products from some of the best up and coming accessory and jewellery designers you will find anywhere in the capital.

For further information about the Fashion and Textile Museum visit: www.ftmlondon.org

Press Enquiries - For further press information about the Hub@FTM or the Fashion and Textile Museum

Contact Alison Lowe – Press Officer, Felicities Ltd representing FTM

Alison@felicities.co.uk                                 0207 377 6030.

Pattern Cutting for Lycra - Talk and Demonstration with Pineapple

16th February 2010, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

"Dancewear brand Pineapple kick-started the stretch revolution with the creation of cotton Lycra jersey; this is a rare opportunity to learn from the experts as Debbie Moore and her team take you through the basics."

Pineapple kick-started the stretch revolution with the creation of cotton Lycra jersey and was responsible for bringing dancewear from the studio to the street. Debbie Moore and Pineapple created such 'fashion firsts' as the cotton lycra LBD, footless tights and The Body.

However, designing and cutting clothes with this fabric is a great skill and this is a rare opportunity to learn from the experts as Debbie Moore and her team take you through the basics.

This fun and informal session will look at how the first patterns were generated, how to incorporate 3D shapes, positioning prints on stretch fabrics, key fits and sample blocks.

Price: £25 (£20 concessions)
To book: Book online here or telephone 020 7407 8664

Half term fun for kids this February!

Get the kids up, out and on the move in the half term holiday with these great dance classes and inspiring, hands-on workshops

Urban Jazz Moves - Dance classes for children from Pineapple Dance Studios
Wednesday 17th February
11:00 - 12:00 (7-12 years)
12:00 - 13:00 (13-16 years)
Get the kids up and out and on the move in the half term holiday with these great dance classes at the FTM featuring a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, street moves and body popping.
Price: £6
To book: Go online (Age 7-12 / Age 13-16) or telephone 020 7407 8664


Draw Like a Designer Repeated
Wednesay 17th February 2010 and
Thursday 18th February 2010.
14:30 - 16:00
Ages 10-14
FTM curator Dennis Nothdruft returns with his inspiring workshops for aspiring designers and illustrators.
Price: £10 including materials
To book: Go online (Weds / Thurs) or telephone 020 7407 8664


Pop Frocks
Friday 19th February 2010
14:30 - 16:00
Ages 6-10
A great hands-on workshop for 6-10 year olds to make a mini dress in line with the sixties theme and decorate it.
Price: £10 including materials
To book: Book online here or telephone 020 7407 8664


The Pineapple showcase and events programme is kindly supported by ASOS.com

For queries and ticket sales contact us on:
020 7407 8664 info@ftmlondon.org www.ftmlondon.org
Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Online ticketing partner: We Got Tickets

Business Support Programme for London Based Accessory/Jewellery Designers

The FTM is pleased to announce the launch of its 2010 business support programme.

Successful eligible participants will receive the following:

• 8 hours of business mentoring from industry specialists including one to one and group workshop sessions.*

• 12 hours of business planning support from Price Waterhouse Coopers

• Your products featured on the FTM website

• Free membership to our new designers networking club - Hub@FTM

• The opportunity to sell your product in the prestigious Shop@FTM

The Fashion and Textile Museum(FTM) is a cutting edge, exhibition and visitor centre for contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery; providing a focal point at the heart of the industry, offering inspiration to a wide audience within a vibrant, creative and professional environment.
Owned and operated by Newham College, the FTM offers access to business support for people working or wanting to work in the fashion sector. The Shop@FTM is a must for anyone interested in contemporary fashion and is committed to supporting young design talent with a great range of products from some of the best up and coming accessory and jewellery designers you will find anywhere in the capital. The FTM attracts over 7,000 visitors to each exhibition and 12,000 hits monthly to the ftmlondon.org website.

Programme Cost: £400+VAT*

London based designers are invited to apply for the programme. You must have proof that you are either self employed, a partnership or a Limited company and that your business is registered at a London address. If you are short listed you must be available to attend our selection day on 23rd February 2010.

*Including bursary - successful applicants may be eligible to register on the London Style project and receive a bursary. Non-eligible applicants are welcome to apply for space in the Shop@FTM. If you would like to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, please contact Alison Lewy on 0207407 8664 or alison.lewy@newham.ac.uk for an application form.

Application deadline 17th February 2010.

83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF

, 020 7407 8664, http://www.ftmlondon.org/

New opportunity for Young Accessory Designers

The Fashion and Textile Museum are still looking for young accessory designers for the new competition ‘Young Accessory Designer of the Year’ that they have launched in partnership with Clothes Show London, at

Earls Court

25-27 June 2010.

Continuing Clothes Show London’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent in the creative arts, they are organising a competition to find the Young Accessory Designer of the Year in partnership with The Fashion and Textile Museum (FTM). The competition is open to aspiring designers who have been trading for fewer than three years, providing a platform for young designers and their businesses in this highly competitive industry.

The prestigious new award in partnership with the FTM, challenges designers to create an accessory product that encompasses the FTM’s brand values and is suitable for sale in the FTM’s shop (Shop@FTM) and the FTM’s online boutique. The winner will also receive the once-in-a-lifetime chance to receive six months business support with industry advisors to help set up and develop their business and make it sustainable. Their winning design will be displayed at Clothes Show London and may go on to be launched and sold in the Shop@FTM. In addition, the victor will be invited to the Private View of the forthcoming Horrockses Fashions: Off the Peg style of the 40’s and 50’s exhibition and will be offered a place on FTM’s professional CAD short course.

All entries will be judged by FTM’s Commercial Director, Alison Lewy and Managing Director of Clothes Show London, Gavin Brown. The winner will be announced at an impressive awards ceremony in Clothes Show London’s spectacular Fashion Theatre at London’s

Earls Court

on Saturday 26th June.

Alison Lewy, FTM’s Commercial Director, welcomes this opportunity to support aspiring design talent in this way: “FTM is thrilled to be working in partnership with Clothes Show London to launch this new competition which reflects the ethos of the museum to support young design talent. The winner will have a unique opportunity to receive a package of high-level, professional industry led support from the FTM to ensure the on-going development of their business, as well as exposure for their brand.”

Gavin Brown, Managing Director of Clothes Show London, explains the thinking behind this new exciting award: “Clothes Show London intends to develop a variety of initiatives to help develop new talent. The launch of Young Accessory Designer of The Year in association with the Fashion and Textile Museum is the latest in our schedule of planned activity and will be followed by other projects to encourage creativity.”

Young Accessory Designer of the Year in partnership with The Fashion and Textile Museum

The Prize

The winner will have the opportunity to receive the following:

• To showcase their product at Clothes Show London

• To launch and sell the winning product in the Shop@FTM

• Six months business support with industry advisors to help grow their business and make it sustainable

• To attend a professional CAD short course

• Invitation to the Private View of the forthcoming Horrockses Fashion exhibition

Timings

Deadline for Entries

·         15^th April 2010

Three Finalists Notified

• 30th April 2010

Winner announcement at Clothes Show London

• 26th June 2010

Entrants

• Open to designers who have been trading for fewer than three years in the UK

• To enter the award, entrants must visit www.clothesshowlondon.com to download an application form 

30 Years of Pineapple at the Fashion and Textile Museum

New exhibition open at the Fashion and Textile Museum

‘30 Years of Pineapple by Debbie Moore’

1979-2009

The Fashion and Textile Museum are pleased to announce the opening of ‘30 Years of Pineapple by Debbie Moore’, a retrospective exhibition that runs until 24^th February 2010.

‘30 Years of Pineapple’ celebrates the success of the brand and its influence on fashion over the last thirty years.  The exhibition features key looks created by Debbie Moore for the Pineapple label include the Body, the legging, cotton lycra dresses and the Boyfriend sweatshirt. 

The ‘30 Years of Pineapple’ exhibition is free and is hosted by the Fashion and Textile Museum, until 24^th February 2010. Exhibition opening times are Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm with last admission at 5.15pm.
 
A number of workshops and activities will accompany the exhibition. For further information about these please visit www.ftmlondon.org.

Editors Notes

Debbie Moore, a famous model of the 60s, founded Pineapple Dance Studios in 1979 in London’s Covent Garden.   Recognising a need for an accessible, affordable dance space, Moore soon found herself with a highly successful business.  Moore also noticed another gap in the market.  Dancewear available at the time was Nylon Lycra and shiny performance wear.  The dancers themselves were looking for something more comfortable and fluid; customised tights from school uniforms were a common sight.  With this in mind, Moore approached DuPont in 1979 to develop a fabric that would change the way people dressed: cotton Lycra.

Pineapple’s dancewear in the newly developed fabric was an instant hit.  The range quickly expanded as Moore continued to innovate in the collection.  Her fresh approach and intuitive sense of what women wanted to wear led Pineapple from strength to strength.  A New York branch of the Studios opened in 1982, further increasing the influence of the Pineapple aesthetic.

Among the looks created by Debbie Moore for the Pineapple label include the Body (pre-Donna Karan), the legging and the Boyfriend sweatshirt.  She also designed the first range of cotton Lycra dresses; simple fitted shapes in a fitted, easy-to-wear fabric that were unlike anything available to consumers at the time.  The result was electric, influencing the fashion industry across the board.  All of these designs have helped define the styles of their respective decades.

Pineapple has continued to expand and is now recognised for its influence on fashion of the last thirty years.  Debbie Moore’s career has been long and successful, inspiring many women in business along the way.  She re-created the original Pineapple styles with on-line retail phenomenon ASOS, introducing a new generation to this innovative, and historically definitive, company.

Knitting Needles at the Ready - The Woolpack Returns for 2010

Returning for 2010, six week knitting courses at beginner and intermediate levels

Our popular knitting club returns for the new year, this year with separate courses for beginners and more advanced knitters.

Beginners course - Tuesday evenings from 19th January

This new club at the FTM is aimed at those who have little or no knitting experience but who have always wanted to learn the lovely art of knitting. Taught in a relaxed environment you will learn the basic techniques and stitches required to knit. Once you have mastered the basics you will put them into practice on a class project which will mean you have a finished article at the end of the course.

Intermediate course - Wednesday evenings from 20th January

This course is ideal for those who have mastered basic knitting techniques and want to take their skills to the next level. Over the course of six weeks you will learn how to read and interpret basic commercial patterns through to creating your own simple designs, in a friendly and informal environment.

Info / bookings

Both courses take place one evening a week for six weeks from 6.30 - 9pm. Needles and yarns are supplied for use in the first class. Participants will need to acquire their own needles and yarns for the following classes and projects.

Cost: £110 per course.

For further information and bookings phone 020 7407 8664 or email info@ftmlondon.org

The Fashion and Textile Museum,

83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF

Contact the museum on 020 7407 8664

For further info and queries, visit us on the web at www.ftmlondon.org or email info@ftmlondon.org