31 Jul Exciting Press Coverage for FC Designer Workspace on Fonthill Road!

We are thrilled to share that FC Designer Workspace and FC Designer Collective, our innovative project on Fonthill Road, has been featured in The Guardian! This recognition highlights the unique charm and challenges of Fonthill Road, a hidden fashion treasure in north London.

A Unique Fashion Street

The Guardian article, titled “Eye-popping and Under Pressure: A Unique London Fashion Street’s Struggle,” shines a light on Fonthill Road’s vibrant fashion scene. With nearly 100 fashion stores offering dazzling wedding dresses, prom outfits, and more, this street stands out for its eclectic mix of styles and cultures. As the local economies officer for Islington Council, Andrew Paschalis, aptly puts it, “Fonthill Road, it’s flamboyant and it is unique.”

Challenges and Resilience

However, the street’s retailers are facing significant challenges due to rising rents and the pressures of gentrification. Many long-standing businesses are struggling to survive, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these difficulties. Despite these hurdles, the community’s resilience shines through.

FC Designer Workspace: Supporting Local Talent

Our FC Designer Workspace is a beacon of hope for the local fashion community. Situated on the Andover Estate, Finsbury Park, and managed by Fashion-Enter Ltd, this community-driven project provides private studios, industry-grade sewing machines, training spaces, and mentoring from industry experts. It supports local designers and residents, helping them hone their skills and grow their businesses.

FC Designer Collective: Showcasing Local Talent

Complementing the workspace is the FC Designer Collective retail shop on Fonthill Road, where local entrepreneurs can sell their products. The shop features fashion, accessories, homeware by Islington designers, and supplies for start-ups. This initiative has already achieved £1.067 million in social value in just 4.5 years, surpassing its original target of £1 million over ten years.

We are proud to be part of Fonthill Road’s rich history and vibrant future. To read the full Guardian article and learn more about our efforts to support local designers, click here.

Stay tuned for more updates from FC Designer Workspace and join us in celebrating the creativity and resilience of Fonthill Road!

Click here to read the full article https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/27/north-londons-fashion-street-fonthill-road-n4-finsbury-park