Last week we celebrated the medieval history and heritage of the Company, with a very 21st century group of young people: our Fashion & Textiles scholars.
At the annual Fashion & Textiles RoundTable we offered our scholars the chance to reflect, to be inspired and to network. They represent the history of the Company – given our ancient roots in the haberdashery trade – but with a very modern and creative outlook.
Scholars have been supported in their studies/start-up business in a variety of institutions, including the Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion and Cockpit Studios, as well as tailors and dress makers from the Inkberrow Design Centre in the West Midlands.
Keynote speakers Monique Walcott and Caroline Attwood offered inspirational thinking and thoughtful guidance to those starting out, either finishing their studies or finding their feet in the sector.
Scholars were reminded to build their personal brand, that networking is their superpower and how mentors can help provide the guidance needed to move forward in the sector. Failure is feedback rather than a dead-end or disaster, and rooting yourself in a community can be a lifeline when things are challenging.
Haberdasher member, Faith Johnson, hosted the event. She said “It was a privilege to host this year’s RoundTable and to see our scholars step into a room steeped in centuries of haberdashery history. These young people are proof that heritage and innovation aren’t opposites: they’re a continuum. I’m incredibly proud of how far our scholars have come, and even more excited about where they’re headed next.
“Our scholars carry the Company’s history forward in the most modern way possible through creativity, ambition, and community. Days like this remind us why that investment matters.”
Thanks to Faith Johnson for hosting the RoundTable, and to Monique and Caroline for their invaluable contributions.
We look forward to seeing where our scholars’ journeys lead them.
