The Smiley Company kicked off its 2024 Future Positive Creators Fund in true style this past weekend with an exclusive launch at London Fashion Week and a grand unveiling of its collaboration with the emerging design talent, Saul Nash.

Through an exclusive collaboration with Smiley, the designer brought a brand new collection of performance wear – described as sophisticated and creative – to the London catwalk, while highlighting the sustainable credentials behind the collection.

Traditionally, performance wear has been heavily dependent on the use of fossil-based materials such as plastics. However, through his partnership with Smiley’s Future Positive and the Future Positive Creator Fund, Saul has been able to develop a collection of garments with the same performance and less impact on the environment.

Instead of using plastic based materials, the designer has been opting for fabrics like merino wool, which is moisture wicking, biodegradable, and thermo-regulating.

Funding creators to become Future Positive at global Fashion Weeks

This month has marked the return of Smiley’s Future Positive Creators Fund, a £500,000 monetary fund and mentorship support scheme devised to help game-changing designers at global fashion weeks. It was born out of Smiley’s Future Positive sustainability initiative which itself corresponds with the United Nations to deliver upon the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal number 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.

Devised to help emerging creators transition towards a more ethical, responsible, and circular approach to design, sourcing, and manufacturing, the Fund was launched last year when its debut round of emerging designer included Ahluwalia, Agr Knit, Chet Lo, Kevin Germanier, Rich Mnisi, and Shuting Qiu.

“The Fund has expanded its support to include several emerging designers and I am excited to champion these talents as they lead the way in crafting a more sustainable tomorrow,” said Nicolas Loufrani, ceo of The Smiley Company.

“It’s an opportunity to shed new light on sustainability with creative garment design at the forefront. Let’s establish a benchmark and motivate our global manufacturing partners to join the movement. Together we have the power to make a lasting and positive difference.”

Smiley has now created relationships with a network of sustainable fabrication partnerships which has helped in lowering fabric minimums, label and packaging manufacturing, and financial support to purchase circular and sustainable fabrics and finishes where required.

“We want to showcase emerging talent at global fashion weeks to shed new light on sustainability,” continued Nicolas. “The major players in our industry pay attention at these events so we want to establish a sustainability benchmark and motivate our global manufacturing partners to join the movement.”