Director for Charities, Susan Barry, was invited to be part of a very special Topping Out ceremony at awardee London College of Fashion’s new building in the Olympic Park.

The London College of Fashion began its life in 1906 following the merger of three local trade schools. Since then they have had various teaching and learning spaces spread across the city, making collaboration a very challenging issue.

The ‘Topping Out’ ceremony marked the completion of the structure itself. Due to be open in autumn 2023 their new building will allow all students and teaching staff the chance to be under the same roof for the first time. This will enable them to build on their reputation as a world leader in fashion innovation, to engage local communities in fashion projects and celebrate their craft heritage.

The Company’s inaugural Haberdasher scholar (Masters in Men’s Fashion), Alice Simpson, is due to showcase her final collection in the coming months. In time the new building will provide the chance for under- and post-graduate students to display their collections in a purpose built space.

Meanwhile, the College continues its work with a women’s prison through its Making for Change programme. As Professor Roni Brown said in her speech, their aim is ‘to make better lives through fashion’.

With thanks to Freeman Faith Johnson for her role as Company Contact for London College of Fashion.