GREEN THREADS: The King’s Foundation, which was founded by then-Prince Charles in 1986 as an educational charity, is marking the 10-year anniversary of its Future Textiles program, which challenges students to work with eco-friendly fabrics.
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations is a monthlong exhibition, “Tencel x Kings Foundation Alumni Curation.” It showcases designs made by the program’s alumni using fabrics created from Tencel fibers, which are derived from sustainable wood sources.
Tencel is the flagship brand of the Lenzing Group, which supplies regenerated cellulose fibers to the textile and nonwovens industries.
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The exhibition opened earlier this week at the Garrison Chapel at Chelsea Barracks in London, and runs until Nov. 15.
Five alumni of the Future Textiles program were asked to create a signature garment that demonstrated the breadth of skills they gained on the course, using materials supplied by Lenzing.
Each designer selected three meters of white fabric made with Tencel fibers in a variety of weights and weaves including smooth and medium-weight twill; lightly textured crepe; soft canvas, and a silky, denim blend.
The designers created hand-pleated kilts, tailored coats and draped and structured dresses. According to Lenzing, all of the designs were classic, luxury garments “that last beyond a season.”
The Future Textiles program was established with the aim of creating a pipeline of skilled individuals for U.K. textile production. Textile skills have dwindled over the decades, the result of British companies taking their production offshore.
The Future Textiles program is part of a wider skills offer from The King’s Foundation, which has garnered support from retailers and brands including Yoox Net-a-porter, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Joseph Ettedgui and Christopher Kane and Patrick Grant, the program’s ambassador.
Jacqueline Farrell, educational director at The King’s Foundation, said the show “highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the textile industry and its supply chain. This collaboration exemplifies the achievements possible when organizations unite to nurture emerging talent and advocate for sustainable practices.”
Farrell said the broader work of The King’s Foundation is inspired by King Charles’ “vision of harmony, promoting traditional skills and providing holistic, collaborative training. Together we continue to ensure a brighter future for fashion and textiles professionals.”
The King’s Foundation works nationally and internationally on projects involving sustainability and environmental regeneration. It offers training and education for people from all ages and backgrounds.
The foundations is in keeping with King Charles’ longstanding commitment to supporting hand-making skills, environmental conservation, and educating and training a new generation of craftspeople.