About us About us
Situated on the Andover Estate, Finsbury Park the FC Designer Workspace is a community driven project funded by Islington Council, the GLA and the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).
The space has been converted from disused garages and fitted out with the latest industry-grade sewing machines and equipment. It offers private studios, exhibition and training space for local designers, an in-house photography studio, as well as mentoring and masterclasses from industry experts, and the chance to network with like-minded entrepreneurs.
Facilitated by social enterprise Fashion-Enter Ltd the workspace aims to support and nurture local designer-makers and residents with an interest in fashion and garment production.
Complimenting the workspace is the FC Designer Collective retail shop on Fonthill Road. This is a real opportunity for local entrepreneurs to sell their product to the public and generate those all-important sales. The shop sells an eclectic range of fashion, accessories and homeware designed and made by Islington designers as well as fabrics and haberdashery to help individuals and start-ups create their designs.
In the shop senior seamstress Leyla provides a repairs and alterations service, specialising in bridal and eveningwear. Leyla also teaches sewing masterclasses from the shop including how to thread and operate the industrial sewing machines, basic sewing techniques and a popular repair and upcycle workshop.
A dedicated website for Fonthill traders and Islington designers has been launched with funding from ERDF. FonthillFashion.co.uk aims to put Islington and Fonthill Road back on the map as a shopping destination. Today, Islington is home to a vibrant community of up-and-coming fashion designers and creative entrepreneurs as well as the original traders still operating on the once famous street. Head to FonthillFashion.co.uk to discover local womenswear and accessory designers.