FTA Leicester Supports Sustainable Brand Atelier Macleod with Upcycled T – Shirt Range
23-09-2025
The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Leicester is proud to support emerging sustainable brand Atelier Macleod with successful small-batch production of their latest upcycled cropped t-shirt collection. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ethical manufacturing and championing UK-based garment production.
(Niamh with Jo Bean at FTA Leicester)
Led by founder Niamh Macleod, Atelier Macleod worked closely with the skilled team at FTA Leicester to bring the new capsule range to life, each piece crafted from existing materials and designed with longevity and sustainability at its core.
“It’s important for us as a brand to support the UK’s garment industry,” said Niamh.
“It’s a true craft, and we have so many talented people who could have fantastic jobs in this field. I’m really excited to be a part of this fashion revival.”
Atelier Macleod began in 2024, with Niamh selling small collections she created herself at local markets. What started as a solo venture has grown into a purpose-led fashion label, grounded in transparency, sustainability, and slow production values.
Niamh’s designs draw from her upbringing in France and her life in the UK, blending classic tailoring with contemporary silhouettes. But it was her experience studying fashion that truly shaped the brand’s mission.
“When I studied fashion, I began uncovering facts I couldn’t ignore – like how the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global water pollution,” said Niamh. “In some communities near factories, this pollution leads to infections, organ failure, and cancers. Once you’ve learned that, you can’t go back to business as usual.”
Determined to be part of the solution, Niamh founded Atelier Macleod on the principle of circular design. Every piece is made from upcycled fabrics, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
“We don’t claim to be perfect,” she added. “But every choice we make is intentional. Our values are stitched into everything we do – and that will never change.”
The production partnership with FTA Leicester reflects a wider movement toward local, ethical manufacturing in the UK fashion industry. The facility offers not only technical expertise but also a training and employment pipeline for garment workers.
Jo Bean, Studio Manager at FTA Leicester, commented: “We were thrilled to support Atelier Macleod with this production run. It’s a joy to work with designers who are both creatively inspiring and genuinely committed to sustainability. Collaborations like this show what’s possible when values align.”
If you are based in Leicester and would like support with production please contact the FTA Leicester team:
FCFTA (Leicester) Phoenix House, 2nd Floor, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RN.
T: 0116 436 2560
E: Fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com
