Hackney is to showcase the best of the borough's fashion talent in a free event at Hackney House, a Olympic period expo centre on Shoreditch High Street on 2 August. 

The interactive exhibition will include workshops and demonstrations covering all aspects of Hackney's thriving fashion industry from its world-class education and training to high-end designs and manufactures as well as tailor-made business support and digital marketing. 

Highlights include: London College of Fashion showcasing work from its recent graduates; set designer Robert Storey to create an installation of outfits; curator and film director Kathryn Ferguson will present a selection of fashion films from up and coming east London creatives and the The North Circular, the ethical fashion label co-owned by Lily Cole, will demonstrate sustainable garment production with a workforce of grannies.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn from one of east London's best-loved shops, Here Today, Here Tomorrow, on how to build a business on personalised production; watch leading jewellery designer and manufacturer Tatty Devine at work and pick-up one of its famous personalised laser cut pieces as well as creating a hand painted silk scarf with Pattern Consultants Patternity.

Hackney's directly elected Major Jules Pipe will be at the event to announce details of a major investment in the borough's fashion industry and guest speaker, Wendy Malem from the London College of Fashion and Centre for Fashion Enterprise, will talk of the borough’s thriving fashion sector and why Hackney is central to London's fashion industry. 

Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, said: “Hackney is the creative heart of London.  This is the capital’s youngest and most culturally diverse borough, with the highest number of working artists anywhere in Europe. The fashion industry has always been important to the East End of London, and it is fast becoming one of the most important industries in Hackney.” 

In the evening award-winning and Mercury Music Prize nominees, Polar Bear, will take to the Hackney House stage followed by DJ Mikki Most.

The event is free and doors open at 12 noon for exhibitions and workshops with the speeches and the fashion presentation starting at 3.30pm. For more information and to register your interest,  http://www.hackneyhouse.org/fashion-day/

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Notes to editors

Open from 12noon until 11.30pm

12noon – 5pm exhibition & workshops including a networking reception from 3pm.

7pm - exclusive after-show party with live music from Polar Bear at 8pm followed by DJ Mikki Most.