UDGN Launches Diaspora – Led Fashion Incubator for London Fashion Week 2025

The Unity in Design Global Network (UDGN) is a new, UK-based fashion platform on a mission to level the playing field for Black and underrepresented designers across the UK and diaspora. Founded by British Fashion Council member and designer Tare Isaac, UDGN was born from lived experience created to offer the kind of long-term infrastructure, support, and visibility that many minority designers are locked out of in traditional fashion systems.

In June 2025, UDGN officially launched its flagship incubator program originally designed to support 10 designers but expanded to 15 in response to overwhelming interest and the strength of applicants. The program guides participants through a structured 4-month journey, culminating in a London Fashion Week showcase this September. It includes technical mentorship, branding development, wellness support, and access to press and retail opportunities.

“UDGN isn’t just a showcase it’s a support system,” says founder Tare Isaac. “It’s what I wish existed when I started out. We’re giving designers real tools not just runway exposure but production, business guidance, and emotional resilience.”

Inside the Incubator: What UDGN Delivers

The incubator is built around six core pillars, each designed to meet the real needs of emerging fashion brands. Delivered through expert-led workshops, strategy sessions, and creative development, the program includes:

• Product Development – refining silhouettes, fabrics, samples, and technical design
• Brand & Storytelling – shaping brand identity, purpose, and cultural narrative
• E-Commerce & Fashion Marketing – building digital presence, understanding online selling, and paid advertising
• PR & Communications – developing press kits, media outreach strategies, and designer visibility
• Fashion Finance – learning costing, pricing models, budgeting, and profit planning
• Wholesale & Retail Strategy – preparing for stockist engagement, line sheets, trade shows, and order fulfilment

Built on Strategic Partnerships

The incubator is powered by industry partners including:

-Fashion-Enter Ltd – delivering product development guidance and hands-on technical mentorship via Claire Solley

-African Fashion Foundation (AFF) – serving as an official UDGN partner providing finance, brand strategy, and business development guidance

-Ladbroke Hall – venue partner for the September runway showcase, supporting with production access and alignment to artistic excellence

“Cultural Threads” Showcase – September 2025

The program culminates in a runway event during London Fashion Week, titled Cultural Threads. The show will celebrate cultural heritage, identity, and global Black creativity interpreted through 15 distinct collections.

From Nigerian bridal symbolism to modern tailoring rooted in diaspora life, the showcase is poised to be a standout moment on this year’s LFW calendar.

About UDGN

UDGN is a multi-faceted fashion ecosystem combining incubator programming, digital platform access, wellness support, mentorship, and brand visibility. Designed by and for underrepresented creatives, it offers both community and infrastructure to help designers move from talent to longevity.

The platform is preparing to launch its full membership model and resources library later this year, welcoming designers from across the globe.