This Independents’ Day Saw the Launch of #2020vision

Independents’ Day – 4th July 2020, saw the launch of #2020vision, a reactive initiative that aims to support independent fashion businesses through the COVID-19 crisis, while enabling system change testing.

A growing group of independent fashion businesses and supporters are working together to propose a ‘new normal’ for the fashion system.

COVID-19 has laid bare existing weaknesses and systemic failures within the fashion industry. While these independent businesses continually navigate the many obstacles of a flawed industry, they have since been under unprecedented pressure throughout this global pandemic. A March survey of designers by the British Fashion Council found 35% believed they would go out of business within three months and half said they would go under by the end of the year, without support. Instead of watching this unfold, followed by a return to the inefficiencies in the fashion design, manufacturing and supply chain, we can support them and build a better fashion system from the roots up.

As we join together and publish an evolving white paper, now is our opportunity to begin to define the new normal. An adaptive system that allows each and every business flexibility; one that is a better fit for each of us; one that allows each of us to move to our own rhythm and pace.

As from Independents’ Day, independent fashion businesses will connect with supporters via the XYZ.EXCHANGE and make use of resources shared by institutions, landlords, manufacturers, retailers, media, mentors and more, to enable real and positive change.

The resulting partnerships will champion inclusivity, diversity and sustainability as they test change at every stage in the product cycle from design to production, retail to recycling, and education to business management.

Resources shared.
Connections made.
Collaborations formed.
Change tested.

As this initiative pairs independents and supporters together, an evolving list of events and projects under the 2020vision umbrella can be viewed here. https://2020vision.page/links As we all react to the COVID-19 pandemic, please note that the production and launch of every activation will comply with the strictest of health and safety measures, including social distancing and compulsory facemasks.

As from the 4th July we can announce two partnerships that have evolved on the XYZ EXCHANGE:

Aran Labs and collaborators x Hit and Run present DREAM/WAKE

As part of its four week artist residency within The Koppel Project, Aran Labs is developing digital co-creation tools and experiences to expand fashion systems beyond the current model; challenging waste and overconsumption. Collaborating with 3D artists Ciaran Moore, Gabriel Massan, Drow Knight, illustrators Charles Jeffrey and Stevie Newall, in addition to musicians LYZZA and MRWIZE, Aran Labs will create a VR dreamscape. As the main objective is to connect people with garments and reduce waste in the process, Aran Labs will continue its collaboration with designer and artist Marie Lueder, with Leuder reworking existing garments by adding custom printed elements for resale. As an added layer on this project, users will be able to make their own prints within the VR dreamscape which can then be realised using made-to-order production platform Hit and Run, utilising Trash Tees manufactured by Everybody.World and provided by consultant Jamil Quarless.

Supporters include The Koppel Project, XYZ EXCHANGE, Everybody.World,and Jamil Quarless.

The Koppel Project x TBC present Class of #2020Vision

To assist in the production of final year collections, fashion design MA and BA students from UAL and RCA were invited onto the beta version of AC.XYZ.EXCHANGE for exclusive access to services and promotions. However, as the world remains in lockdown, the graduates of 2020 have been left without physical end of year degree shows. Class of #2020Vision will invite five MA graduates (selected by a panel from a number of applicants from UK-based universities) to create an immersive physical installation inside The Koppel Project Campus. Each graduate will have 10 days on-site to install their work within an assigned space inside the old Central Saint Martins building in Holborn. In addition to live streams and video recordings, the space will host appointment-based viewings from 20th July. The #2020vision initiative will connect each graduate with sound/visual specialists and mentors on the AC.XYZ.EXCHANGE
to help realise each experience.

Supporters include the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Ma-tt-er x M(A)T(A), AC.XYZ.EXCHANGE, Terry Tew, ITR.

FashionCapital, Fashion-Enter Ltd, Fashion Technology Academy and FC Fabric Studio are listed as #2020vision supporters, we look forward to connecting with fashion independents and trying out new initiatives that lead to positive industry change.

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