From education to employment

FashionFoundation works closely with Coventry University for the next pop-up at Fargo Village

clothes market stall

Back again for its third pop-up since the launch in May this year, FashionFoundation (@FashionFoundat1) is pleased to be working alongside Coventry University (@covcampus) @FargoVillage – in particular, the MA International Fashion Business course and its students.  

Since the last event at Fargo Village, Coventry, the social enterprise has appointed two new directors to the team. Angela Armstrong, Course Director of Fashion at Coventry University, and Ashley Raynor, Fashion Designer and brand owner. They join founding directors Richard Tomlins of Coventry University and Siobhan O’Donnell, Founder CEO of New Talent Fashion and Northern Fashion Week.  

Simone Gadagah, Course Director for International Fashion Business at Coventry University, shares her cohort’s involvement in the next pop-up, and why it is important for FashionFoundation to be supporting upcoming talent in the area:  

“The students have really enjoyed this project, engagement has been high and they are really enthused! It has been great to see them working on their own initiative to deliver these creative spaces. I appreciate what the FashionFoundation is doing here in Coventry, as it is giving creatives the opportunity to express themselves and expand their networks. The fashion Pop-up at Fargo, not only support local talent but also creates a wider community with students and alumni… it’s smashing!” 

The group have been working with local fashion businesses to create and implement their new brand strategies. These include previous pop-up tenants, Project Number 5 (founded by Henry Matthews) and Only Girl Worth Chasing (OGWC) (founded by Alfie Deas) – both located in Fargo Village itself. They are joined by Bottle Blonde Studio (founded by Coventry University graduate Chloe Hollingsworth), AXIIOM, Broke and Beautiful, Bunny Boiler, Finn Farrell and House of Vintage. 

New Talent Fashion’s Senior Marketing Manager, Helena Smith, and advisory for FashionFoundation, recently spoke to the student’s involved during one of their breakout sessions. She shares her insight into how the values behind New Talent Fashion are reflected in what FashionFoundation aims to achieve:  

“Up and coming talent is the future of the fashion so we need to ensure we provide them with the support and knowledge they need to navigate the industry and develop themselves both personally and professionally. Everything we do at New Talent Fashion is inspired by real experiences. Our Founder CEO, Siobhan, got involved with FashionFoundation to push this even further and give every person equal opportunity, no matter their education, background or location.” 

The next pop-up will take place at Fargo Village Coventry from 6 – 7 November 2021.


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