Future Fashion Works

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BSU reimagines fashion through university initiative, Future Fashion Works

Monday, 29 September, 2025

BSU is proud to introduce Future Fashion Works (FFW), a bold University initiative that reimagines fashion through the lens of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.  

This project aims to transform the fashion industry by connecting students, local creatives, community groups, and independent designers. Through a shared mission, the FFW team aims to build a more ethical and economically sustainable future for fashion.  

FFW has created strong partnerships with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Fashion Museum Bath, Hemingway Designs, and Buckman Associates, and works closely with the local community to support businesses, empower emerging designers, and open new pathways into the fashion industry.  

FFW’s Executive Project Manager, Tamara Parsons-Baker, said:  

“Future Fashion Works is about creating a bold, collaborative future for fashion. By connecting students, local makers, cultural institutions, and businesses, we’re building an ecosystem that champions creativity, enterprise, and sustainability. At its heart, this initiative is about people, empowering the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs while making fashion a force for cultural and social regeneration in the West of England.”  

The beating heart of FFW is its community bonds, with students, independent makers, and the public coming together for workshops, exhibitions, and events. By operating in accessible city-centre spaces like the Somer store, FFW creates vibrant opportunities to explore fashion as a tool for cultural and social regeneration.  

Somer is a fashion concept store and incubator space in Bath. Since opening in the spring, it has become a dynamic hub for local talent and sustainable business. Selling products by local designers and BSU students and alumni, Somer is described as a store that ‘empowers the next generation of sustainable fashion innovators and entrepreneurs’ and has established itself as a celebration of emerging ideas in ethical fashion.

FFW’s focus on enterprise also supports startups and small businesses by offering space, mentoring, and retail opportunities that help test new ideas and bring products to life. Through Somer, they enable designers and entrepreneurs to test ideas, develop products and engage directly with customers, bridging the gap between creativity and commerce.   

Are you interested in becoming part of the Future Fashion Works community?

FFW would love to hear from staff, alumni, and students at BSU who would like to be involved. Whether you have a small brand, a sustainable fashion initiative, or an idea for a workshop, get in touch via the FFW webpage.