Since it first opened its doors in July 2021 in East Village, Stratford, The Lab E20 has become London’s flagship creative hub for the circular economy, climate action and regeneration.
As it approaches its second anniversary, The Lab E20 is to host the launch of KIT:BAG by RÆBURN in partnership with UMBRO, the West Ham United Foundation and the University of Manchester. This latest circular economy initiative brings together the worlds of sports, textiles and manufacturing together to collaborate and develop solutions through craft, creativity and community.
The Lab E20, which was designed and produced by Christopher Raeburn in partnership with Get Living, will host a series of workshops from Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 July to remake football shirts into bags.
Commenting on the anniversary and KIT:BAG initiative, Christopher Raeburn, Creative Director, RÆBURN says: “We’re extremely proud of our continued collaboration with Get Living here in The Lab E20. Over the last two years we have successfully scaled the RÆBURN ethos of “Craft, Creativity and Collaboration” which enables us to work with educators, investors, local residents and policy makers successfully to manifest our mission to transform the world through responsible design. KIT:BAG by RÆBURN™ marks our newest venture: bringing circular design solutions to the sports industry. We’ve set out a roadmap and a masterplan, and now we’re inviting industry leaders and the local community to join us on this journey!”
Jesse Foyle, Director, The West Ham United Foundation adds: “It’s great to be able to support RÆBURN with their KIT:BAG initiative. At West Ham United we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and are pleased to be able to work with community partners to promote responsible fashion.”
As the gateway to East Bank and London’s Fashion District, The Lab E20 is currently home to ‘REGENERATIVE BY DESIGN’ a new cultural programme celebrating London’s cultural innovation and career pathways across fashion, design, creative-tech, architecture and the built environment.
Over the last two years The Lab E20 has played host to thousands of local visitors, residents, students and aspiring entrepreneurs, supported by programme partners such as the British Fashion Council, The Sustainable Angle, D Lab Studios, Akojo Market, Fashion Revolution, Project ReGo, Rosetta Arts, Fashion District-London, Newham Council, Crafts Council, MD Brunch, XLP-Youth Hub, Hole & Corner Magazine, Colechi, Royal College of Art and many more.
Reflecting on the last two years of The Lab E20, Ailish Christian West, Chief Operating Officer, Get Living says: “The Lab E20 has become a springboard for grassroots talent into the creative industries for the local community of East Village and Newham. We are proud to continue to work with RÆBURN to offer a wide programme of creative activities that inform, upskill and entertain. From workshops to fashion shows, The Lab E20 has engaged with people of all ages and backgrounds. As we mark the second anniversary, we look forward to creating more exciting memories with residents, visitors and programme partners.”
The Lab E20 also remains committed to diversifying career pathways and opportunities into the creative industries for local young people, through its continued partnerships with Intoart, a London based charity in support of designers with learning difficulties and disabilities; the Young Craft Citizens Crafts Council; the Grimshaw Foundation and Trashclub.
In September 2023, The Lab E20 will be welcoming the Centre for Sustainable Fashion as its new resident partner, in celebration of the opening of London College of Fashion’s East Bank Campus.
The next exhibition The Future of Fashion: Imagining Possibilities will be co-curated by Dilys Williams (London College of Fashion), Yasmin Jones-Henry (RAEBURN) and Amanda Johnston (The Sustainable Angle) designed to interrogate the power of regenerative design – from the garments we wear, to the ways in which we shape our cities our communities. This programme and rolling exhibition will be open to the public Autumn 2023.
27 July, 18:00 – 21:00 | The Lab E20 2nd Anniversary Drinks Reception
In partnership with Get Living, UMBRO, the University of Manchester and the West Ham United Foundation, we’ll be hosting a drinks reception and an evening of craft, creativity and KIT:BAG making! Book your free space.
29 July, 12:00 – 17:00 | KIT:BAG by RÆBURN Community Workshop
Sign-up to secure your space on one of the community KIT:BAG making workshops. Attendees are invited to create a truly unique KIT:BAG sling. Starting with card patterns, each attendee can choose from a range of West Ham United kits and training apparel – or bring your own – which they will trace and cut. Depending on your level of sewing skill the bag will be completed by one of our talented teams and you’ll be sporting it soon enough! Reserve your spot.
