Supported by UGG, the initiative elevates promising designers with grants and runway opportunities during London Fashion Week
The renowned British designer, Ashley Williams, has been announced as the latest beneficiary of the prestigious Fashion East’s XLNC incubator programme. This marks the programme’s sophomore iteration since its debut in 2022.
Endorsed by Ugg and previously extended to the brand Knwls, the XLNC initiative aims to bolster chosen brands by providing a grant of 20,000 pounds, coupled with an investment in orchestrating a runway display during the iconic London Fashion Week.
For Williams, participation entails more than financial backing. It encompasses a “craft-driven partnership” which will find its showcase in her Spring/Summer 2024 collection on the runway. Furthermore, she will benefit from the creative insights of the Fashion East team and their distinguished collaborators.
As the Ashley Williams brand moves into its 10th anniversary year, it’s a huge honour to return to the catwalk under the XLNC banner. UGG is a brand I’ve wanted to work with for years but never found the right opportunity. Their support has made this Fashion East homecoming show possible, and couldn’t be a more perfect collaboration for us.
Ashley Williams
Williams expressed her gratitude, saying, “I want to express my heartfelt thank you to our customers, fans, and Fashion East for their decade-long support, and for continuing to be a part of the brand’s journey and family. And thank you to Ugg for making this whole venture possible.”
Along with this new inclusion, Fashion East has also rolled out a novel mentorship framework. Developed in partnership with the XLNC Programme’s Advisory Committee, the scheme is crafted to enhance the accessibility for the upcoming generation to a comprehensive industry network.
Esteemed members of the committee include trailblazers such as Lulu Kennedy, the founder and director of Fashion East; Maximilian Davis, creative director at Ferragamo; Ida Petersson, the buying director at Browns; and Charlotte Knowles, the visionary designer for KNWLS.
