H by Haarlem
Lead Participant:
HAARLEM LIMITED
Abstract
This exciting project will develop and manufacture our own range of environmentally friendly fabrics made in the uk (Leicestershire) for manufacturing at our Derbyshire work room. I have designed and manufactured bespoke bridal wear for over 15 years, won awards and have learned a lot about how to make people feel amazing in clothing. I would like to develop a fashion collection to offer a more diverse customer base and expand the business into a much bigger industry.
The fabrics will be made from 100% organic cotton which uses half the amount of water to produce and has many more environmental benefits, and recycled polyester which is made from recycled plastic bottles and will be dyed to our own specific colours and prints.
The beginning of the project will be the development and testing the longevity of the fabric, I.e how it washes and wears. It's important that the garments manufactured have a long wardrobe life as the brand will focus on buying less but higher quality fashion.
Once the fabrics have been developed I have the skills to design, pattern cut and manufacture the garments for the collection in house. I have a team of freelance seamstresses who will manufacture the garments.
I am offering the opportunity for young people in social care to be inspired by the fashion industry and this exciting new brand. They will be offered work placements which will inspire them into staying in education and further education, and also lead to apprenticeships and full time jobs. It's important to me to offer opportunities to young people who often don't get the same opportunities and struggle to stay in education, this project will inspire them and give them new skills and the confidence to be able to follow their dreams.
The brand will have a diverse and fashion led aesthetic and will be inclusive for disabled wearers. The adaptive garments will be designed with the needs of disabled customers in mind, enabling disabled customers to buy from the same brand feeling included and thought about.
The collection will be sold directly through our own website and social media channels and will look to have stockists through larger retailers in the uk. I will also add a preloved section to the website where customers can sell their pre owned garments which helps even more cut down waste and any garments going into landfill.
The fabrics will be made from 100% organic cotton which uses half the amount of water to produce and has many more environmental benefits, and recycled polyester which is made from recycled plastic bottles and will be dyed to our own specific colours and prints.
The beginning of the project will be the development and testing the longevity of the fabric, I.e how it washes and wears. It's important that the garments manufactured have a long wardrobe life as the brand will focus on buying less but higher quality fashion.
Once the fabrics have been developed I have the skills to design, pattern cut and manufacture the garments for the collection in house. I have a team of freelance seamstresses who will manufacture the garments.
I am offering the opportunity for young people in social care to be inspired by the fashion industry and this exciting new brand. They will be offered work placements which will inspire them into staying in education and further education, and also lead to apprenticeships and full time jobs. It's important to me to offer opportunities to young people who often don't get the same opportunities and struggle to stay in education, this project will inspire them and give them new skills and the confidence to be able to follow their dreams.
The brand will have a diverse and fashion led aesthetic and will be inclusive for disabled wearers. The adaptive garments will be designed with the needs of disabled customers in mind, enabling disabled customers to buy from the same brand feeling included and thought about.
The collection will be sold directly through our own website and social media channels and will look to have stockists through larger retailers in the uk. I will also add a preloved section to the website where customers can sell their pre owned garments which helps even more cut down waste and any garments going into landfill.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| HAARLEM LIMITED | £31,587 | £ 28,428 |
Participant |
||
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Astra Slater (Project Manager) |