The Fashion Residency backed by Paul Smith’s Foundation reveals new cohort of designers

The Fashion Residency, created by the Mayor of London, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation in 2024, has announced the second cohort of designers who will receive free studio space at London’s Studio Smithfield and mentoring from industry leaders.

The six selected designers, who will begin their mentorship at the studio in January 2026 for a period of 18 months, are Eden Tan, Harri, Joyce Bao, Renata Brenha, Petra Fagerstrom and Masha Popova.

Building on the first cohort’s success, the programme will provide opportunities for “London’s next top fashion designers” to grow their businesses and learn from industry experts.

Paul Smith’s Foundation has designed the mentoring programme, matching designers with industry-leading professionals to help them establish their businesses and create a sustainable footing once they leave.

Sir Paul Smith said: “We're delighted with the quality of applications for the new cohort of the fashion residency. When we first embarked on the programme nearly two years ago, we were overwhelmed by the volume of interest and it demonstrated the very pressing need for an initiative like this.

“We're very happy to be able to offer this level of support for six more brilliant designers and look forward to challenging ourselves as to how we can help more people in more ways in the future.”

The residency brings fashion to the heart of the Square Mile at Studio Smithfield by Projekt – a 27,000 sq ft creative hub, event space and workspace in London’s iconic Smithfield market.

Nick Hartwright, CEO of Projekt, commented: “We’re very pleased to share the news of the six UK designers that have been selected to join the second cohort of The Fashion Residency. It is another exciting step in building a truly supportive creative community at Studio Smithfield.

“The first cohort exceeded all expectations, showing just how powerful collaboration and access can be for emerging designers. We’re proud to continue this partnership and to provide free studio spaces and the platform to enable their businesses to grow.”

Mentors in the programmes include designer Henry Holland, Charlie Casely-Hayford, Director at Casely-Hayford, Helen McGowan, Production Consultant for Liberty, Margaret Howell and Toast, Diana LoGuzzo, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Calvin Klein, Phoebe Cobb, Brand Director at Harris Reed, and Matthew Mumford, Head of Creative at Paul Smith.