Trinity Leeds has unveiled an exciting new sustainable fashion concept called ReLab.
This initiative will spotlight emerging designers, local fashion brands, and second-hand sellers, promoting sustainability and community creativity.
The project is a collaboration between Landsec, Leeds Beckett University, and Wayne Hemingway of HemingwayDesign, and will run as a 12-week pop-up starting June 13th.
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ReLab: Fostering Creativity and Sustainability
ReLab aims to transform the traditional retail experience by integrating sustainability into its core. This initiative will feature rotating residencies from Leeds fashion students, local designers, and fashion businesses. In partnership with charity retailer Emmaus, these creatives will repair and upcycle clothing that would otherwise be discarded, turning them into new, unique garments and collections.
Local designers will also have the opportunity to sell their own creations alongside curated selections from second-hand and sustainable sellers. This initiative provides a physical platform for online sellers from platforms like DePop and Vinted to reach a broader audience.
Supporting Local Creatives
ReLab is designed to support Leeds-based creatives and small businesses by providing a low-risk environment to test new ideas. It serves as a collaborative space where designers and sustainable businesses can innovate and grow. The lab will host hands-on workshops to educate visitors on DIY techniques for altering and upcycling their own clothing, further promoting the ethos of sustainability.
First Rotation Highlights
The first rotation, running from June 13th to July 4th, will showcase talent like Wanner Label, Alice D Designs, Tomo, and Trad Collective, along with curated clothing from Emmaus. These designers and brands reflect a strong commitment to sustainable fashion:
- Wanner Label: Known for upcycling salvaged materials, Wanner Label transforms tents from the Leeds Festival into fashionable garments.
- Alice D Designs: Creates unique clothing from preloved and deadstock materials using techniques like embroidery and patchwork.
- Tomo: Specializes in creating new fashion pieces from existing clothing, emphasizing the sentimental value and sustainability of each item.
- Trad Collective: A hub for sustainable fashion and lifestyle items, offering pre-loved, upcycled, and ethically made products.
Educational Partnership with Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University’s Fashion Department is an educational partner of ReLab, bringing a dynamic energy to the project.
The collaboration allows students and emerging designers to test the marketability of their collections and host workshops on repair and upcycling methods. This partnership aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainable fashion design education and aims to retain local fashion talent in Leeds.
A Community-Driven Initiative
Wayne Hemingway of Hemingway Design emphasizes the collaborative and community-focused nature of ReLab. The initiative pairs designer-makers with local charities to repair and remake second-hand items, creating a vibrant community hub through free workshops and events. This approach reflects a modern, meaningful model of city centre retail.
Launch Event
The launch of ReLab will be held on Thursday, June 13th, from 5pm to 8pm, and is open to the public. Guests can participate in a free t-shirt upcycling workshop and preview the collections from the first round of resident designers and sustainable sellers.
ReLab will be open from June 13th to September 8th, operating Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 7pm, and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
About Trinity Leeds
Trinity Leeds is a prominent shopping destination in Leeds city centre, offering 1,000,000 sq ft of retail space under a striking 40,000 sq ft glass dome. It hosts over 120 brands and 40+ dining options, including Trinity Kitchen with its rotating street food vendors.
The centre also features significant artwork, such as the Equus Altus sculpture, and an Everyman Cinema with 600 seats and a stylish bar. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in March 2023, Trinity Leeds continues to be a key part of the city’s community, providing a vibrant place to meet, shop, and dine.
