Three designers supported by Paul Smith’s Foundation have created an exclusive T-shirt in collaboration with Tate Galleries, set for launch on April 23. The project, part of the foundation’s Fashion Residency program, aims to guide emerging creatives through commercial product development. Martha Mosse, the foundation’s director, shared details on the initiative and ongoing support for participants.
Paolo Carzana, Karoline Vitto, and Yaku, who have been developing their brands through the Fashion Residency for over 18 months, designed the T-shirt to respond creatively to art from Tate Galleries. Martha Mosse explained that the partnership provides paid commercial experience, covering the process from commissioning to factory production. “It’s designed to guide them through the process of bringing a new product to market with a very important partner,” Mosse said. The Fashion Residency, launched in 2024 in partnership with the Mayor of London and Projekt, and supported by British GQ and the City of London Corporation, offers six designers free studio space at Smithfield in London for 18 months, plus 80 hours of business skills training on topics like legal issues, e-commerce, and branding. The first cohort, which began in 2024, has transitioned to a new studio in Liverpool Street through partnerships with Culture Mile BID, SET, and Travelodge, featuring nominal rent to ease the shift to market rates. Mosse highlighted legal training from Osborne Clarke as the most popular, with examples including Paolina Russo negotiating IP contracts. Mosse noted the foundation’s model draws from Paul Smith’s success, who retains 80% ownership of his 56-year-old brand. One second-cohort designer, Harri, uses AI tool Cloud3D for pattern cutting to speed processes while maintaining handmade elements.
