On Saturday 13th August, Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Leicester at Phoenix House threw open its doors to the public for Leicester Forward – a community-focused open studio event celebrating sustainable fashion, textile education, and local creativity.

Designed to encourage reuse, recycling, and upcycling, the event offered end-of-roll fabrics, garment samples, and finished pieces at rock-bottom prices. The aim? To keep valuable materials in circulation and inspire the next generation of makers, designers, and conscious consumers.

Among the many attendees was a fashion student from De Montfort University, who picked up a selection of high-quality fabrics for her current slow fashion project. Her find perfectly reflected the spirit of the event – giving new life to existing resources while rethinking our relationship with consumption.

From hobbyist sewers to professional designers, the day attracted a diverse crowd all motivated by a shared interest in sustainable style and community connection.

FTA Leicester is more than just a studio space – it’s a dedicated hub for fashion and textile education, offering training in stitching, pattern cutting, Skills Bootcamps, and workers’ rights.

The centre actively supports the local fashion and textile industry, working with designers, suppliers, and makers to build sustainable practices and strengthen the regional supply chain. At the same time, FTA Leicester engages with the general public, providing resources and guidance to extend the longevity and maintenance of clothing and textiles— a key part of reducing textile waste across the UK

Events like Leicester Forward highlight how important community-led initiatives are in driving real change. By making materials affordable and accessible, and providing the space to learn and connect, FTA Leicester continues to play a vital role in pushing the industry and the public toward a more circular, sustainable fashion future.

Stay tuned for future events and workshops at FTA Leicester.