BFC’s ‘Future of Fashion’ event highlights industry innovations at Newcastle’s Eldon Square

A British Fashion Council ‘Future of Fashion’ event over the weekend saw Eldon Square Shopping Centre in Newcastle turned into a hub of innovation in partnership with Sunderland Software City.

Highlighting the latest technology shaping the fashion industry, visitors could see how fashion and technology intersect through holographic displays, immersive VR catwalks and interactive design experiences powered by gaming platforms - all demonstrating how digital innovation is transforming the way fashion is created and experienced.

Eldon Square is also championing the future of fashion by supporting emerging talent. Its partnership with Newcastle College has already delivered a 24-metre mural on Blackett Street, showcasing the creativity of students across fashion and design courses while offering them a public platform to share their work.

Alongside that, Eldon Square is routinely offering placements for students from Newcastle University, “ensuring the next generation are empowered to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of fashion and retail”.

Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square, said: “Partnering with Sunderland Software City on the innovative Future of Fashion event has been an exciting opportunity to bring our vision of championing the emerging talent of tomorrow to life.

“At Eldon Square, we are passionate about supporting the next generation, whether that’s through landmark events such as this or through our ongoing collaborations with Newcastle College, which provide young people with the platform, confidence and experience they need to thrive in fashion and retail.”

Jenna Ingoe, Innovation Manager at Sunderland Software City, added: “Sunderland Software City was thrilled to collaborate with Eldon Square to spotlight the exciting intersection of technology and fashion, and to celebrate the incredible innovation taking place across our region.

“The event was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the transformative role digital technologies are already playing in the fashion and retail sectors, and to highlight how they are shaping the future of fashion.”

Sunderland Software City is enabling the growth of the technology sector in the North East, providing support and creating opportunities for digital and non-digital organisations.