The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield

This programme includes a free studio space for six designers in the heart of the City of London and an accelerator programme of bespoke business mentoring from industry experts on topics including common legal issues, finance, manufacturing, communications and more.

Created and delivered by Paul Smith’s Foundation, the business accelerator is an intentional programme where the mentors create targets and objectives for the designers to fulfil between sessions. Resident designers have access to 10 hours of pro bono support from international law firm, Osborne Clarke LLP, use of 6,200 sqft event space, dye room and reading room and bespoke support on event management, freelancer introductions, partnership and consultancy work and project management. 

Each brand is also paired with a personal mentor who acts as a confidant, guide and sounding board throughout the residency period.

The Fashion Residency is a business development programme and has been designed to best benefit those who have already delivered two to six seasons. In order to get the most out of the programme, applicants should already have a clear creative vision, an understanding of their place within the market and who their customer is. Designers must be ready to take the next step in their business development, for example, those needing to hire employees, consider shareholders agreements, grow into internal markets or scale production.

Delivered in partnership between the Mayor of London, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation and supported by British GQ.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must have a UK-registered business and be living in London for the duration of the residency, be committed to attending all of the mentoring sessions and be able to move in between 12-24 January 2026.