‘Keeping Artisan Skills Alive’ is an initiative supporting students on the BA Fashion course at the School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University. Through a programme of specialist workshops in leatherwork, corsetry, drapery and tailoring, the project ensures that traditional craft techniques continue to thrive within modern fashion education. These skills help students build a deeper understanding of construction, sustainability, and craftsmanship, empowering them to create work that is both technically accomplished and industry‑ready.
Structure of the Initiative
The initiative brings expert makers and specialist tutors into the university to deliver a series of intensive practical workshops across the academic year. These sessions give students hands‑on experience with artisan techniques, contextual knowledge about their historical and contemporary relevance, and opportunities to apply these skills directly in their collections and portfolios. The programme is reviewed and refined annually to ensure it remains innovative, effective, and closely aligned with industry needs.
Impact on Young People Entering the Fashion Industry
The Drapers‑funded Artisan Skills Workshops have had a major impact on BA Fashion students, giving all participants access to specialist skills that broaden their creativity, strengthen their portfolios, and increase their confidence as emerging designers. The focus on traditional and sustainable techniques has also aligned their work more closely with industry expectations.
Recent graduates have shown how transformative these skills can be. Examples include:
- A student who discovered a passion for tailoring and has since secured an apprenticeship with a renowned Savile Row tailoring house.
- Several students who developed strong skills in leatherwork and are now progressing into roles designing leather outerwear for high‑street brands, taking on luxury‑market commissions, or starting small businesses preparing to exhibit at London Fashion Week.
- A student who built their final collection around corsetry, leading to opportunities in styling and image production for a fashion publication.
Many others from the 2025 graduating cohort have similarly secured employment or freelance work directly supported by the artisan skills learned through the Drapers‑supported workshops.
The Role of the Drapers’ Company
The Drapers’ Company provide essential funding for the Artisan Skills Workshops at London Metropolitan University. This support has enabled the delivery and continuous development of a unique and highly valued programme that enriches fashion education and broadens students’ career prospects. By championing the preservation of traditional craft techniques, the Drapers’ Company plays a key role in keeping artisan skills alive while helping young designers build the knowledge, confidence and technical excellence needed for success in the industry.
