28 May FTA Supports SEN Students With Community Heritage Project

Fashion-Enter Ltd and the Fashion Technology Academy (FEL/FTA) are proud to celebrate the achievements of SEN students whose creative work is now being showcased in a new exhibition at the London College of Fashion (LCF).

Over recent months, students have taken part in hands-on textile workshops at FC Designer Workspace, exploring fabrics, stitching techniques and garment-making while building confidence, communication and creative skills. Inspired by archival materials and the history of Beale & Inman Tailors, the students created imaginative textile pieces that reflect individuality and the empowering message: “I can do this.”

The exhibition, THE FIRST STITCH, forms part of Threads of Elegance: Conserving the Legacy of Beale & Inman Tailors, a major community heritage project led by Westminster City Archives and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Students from the MA Fashion Curation and Public Cultures programme at LCF worked closely with the young creators to curate the exhibition, creating a dialogue between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary creativity while giving young voices an important platform within fashion.

FEL/FTA Head of Education, Lan Leeder, commented: “In September 2025, FEL partnered with Westminster City Archives to run six weekly sewing sessions supporting 11 SEN learners at the FC Designer Workspace in Islington. The project proved to be a great success and the positive impact is reflected in the students’ feedback and engagement throughout the programme.”

The wider Threads of Elegance initiative celebrates the historic legacy of Beale & Inman Tailors while promoting inclusivity, sustainability and community engagement through workshops, exhibitions and educational activities. The project will culminate in a major public exhibition at Westminster City Hall in summer 2027.